Alexander Edwards | |
|---|---|
 Sjt. Alexander Edwards, V.C. | |
| Born | 4 November 1885 |
| Died | 24 March 1918 (aged 32) |
| Buried | Remembered on theArras Memorial |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Service years | 1914 – 1918 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 1/6th (Morayshire) Bn, theSeaforth Highlanders,51st Highland |
| Conflicts | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Alexander Edwards VC (4 November 1885 – 24 March 1918) was aScottish recipient of theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for valour in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritish andCommonwealth forces.
Edwards was born in Stotfield,Lossiemouth,Morayshire, the son of a fisherman, and became a cooper working in theherring fishery.[1]
On 1 September 1914 he joined the 6th (Morayshire) Battalion, theSeaforth Highlanders,[1] a part of the51st (Highland) Division. After training in Bedford, the battalion travelled to France in May 1915.[2]
Edwards, now a sergeant, demonstrated tremendous bravery and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at theBattle of Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917 on the first day of theBattle of Passchendaele.[3]
TheLondon Gazette of 14 September 1917 recorded:
For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when, having located a hostile machine gun in a wood, he, with great dash and courage, led some men against it, killed all the team and captured the gun. Later, when a sniper was causing casualties, he crawled out to stalk him, and although badly wounded in the arm, went on and killed him. One officer only was now left with the company, and, realising that the success of the operation depended on the capture of the furthest objective, Serjt. Edwards, regardless of his wound, led his men on till this objective was captured. He subsequently showed great skill in consolidating his position, and very great daring in personal reconnaissance. Although again twice wounded on the following day, this very gallant N.C.O. maintained throughout a complete disregard for personal safety, and his high example of coolness and determination engendered a fine fighting spirit in his men.[4]
Returning to Britain, Edwards received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 26 September 1917. A week later he attended a reception in his honour at Lossiemouth, where he was presented with a gold watch andwar bonds.[5] He later returned to France and rejoined the 6th Seaforth.
On 21 March 1918 the Germans began theirKaiserschlacht (Spring Offensive). On 24 March Edwards was wounded and posted missing in action, presumed killed, atBapaume Wood, east ofArras, France.[6]
No body was ever identified, and Serjeant Edwards is commemorated at Bay 8 on theArras Memorial.[7]
The Moray Firth Golf Links at Lossiemouth have asundial memorial to Edwards and his cousin, Captain G.E. EdwardsDSO, who also died while serving with the 6th Seaforth during the war. As boys, both had acted asCaddies at the golf course.[8]
HisVictoria Cross is displayed atThe Highlanders Museum inFort George, Inverness-shire, Scotland.[9]
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