William Forshaw

Major William Thomas Forshaw VC (1890–1943) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. In civilian life Forshaw was a teacher at The Manchester Grammar School.

For the British trade union leader, see William Forshaw (trade unionist).
William Thomas Forshaw
Born20 April 1890
Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, England
Died26 May 1943 (aged 53)
Holyport, Berkshire, England
Buried
Touchen End Cemetery, Bray
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
British Indian Army
RankMajor
UnitThe Manchester Regiment
Home Guard
Battles/warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsVictoria Cross
Other workTeacher

Forshaw was born 20 April 1890 in Barrow-in-Furness. When he was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment during the First World War, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions between 7 and 9 August 1915 in Gallipoli, Turkey. The London Gazette of 9 September 1915 reported "..when holding the north-west corner of "The Vineyard" against heavy attacks by the Turks, Lieutenant Forshaw not only directed his men but personally threw bombs continuously for over 40 hours. When his detachment was relieved, he volunteered to continue directing the defence. Later, when the Turks captured a portion of the trench, he shot three of them and recaptured it. It was due to his fine example and magnificent courage that this very important position was held."[1]

He later achieved the rank of major. He died on 26 May 1943 and was buried at Touchen End, Berkshire in an unmarked grave. For many years the grave was unmarked but a new stone was erected in 1994 though not on exact site.

His Victoria Cross and other campaign medals are displayed at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment, Ashton-under-Lyne, England in the Forshaw Room.

References
  1. "No. 29289". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 September 1915. p. 8971.
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