William Gregg (VC)

William Gregg VC DCM MM (27 January 1890 – 10 August 1969) 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.

William Gregg
William Beesley VC (left) and William Gregg
Born(1890-01-27)27 January 1890
Heanor, Derbyshire
Died10 August 1969(1969-08-10) (aged 79)
Heanor
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankCompany Sergeant-Major
Unit
Battles/wars
Awards

Details

He was 28 years old, and a sergeant in the 13th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War when he performed a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 8 May 1918 at Bucquoy, France, when all the officers of Sergeant Gregg's company had been hit during an attack on an enemy outpost, he took command, rushing two enemy posts, killing some of the gun teams, taking prisoners and capturing a machine-gun. He then started to consolidate his position until driven back by a counter-attack, but as reinforcements had by now come up, he led a charge, personally bombed a hostile machine-gun, killed the crew and captured the gun. When driven back again, he led another successful attack and held on to his position until ordered to withdraw.[1]

Further information

He later achieved the rank of company sergeant-major and served in World War II with the Sherwood Foresters.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum in Winchester, England.

Local Honours

William lived in Heanor, Derbyshire, and as testament to his deeds of gallantry when the town's new swimming baths were built in 1970 they were named the 'William Gregg V.C Swimming Baths' in his honour.[2] That recognition was continued when the facilities were extended and privatised in 2009-10 as the 'William Gregg V.C. Leisure Centre.[3]

References
  1. "No. 30770". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 June 1918. p. 7619.
  2. http://www.ripleyandheanornews.co.uk/news/local/chance-to-remember-vc-hero-bill-1-727139
  3. http://www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/william-gregg-vc-leisure-centre'
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