Laurence Calvert VC MM

Laurence Calvert VC MM

16 February 1892 – 6 July 1964

 
Sgt Laurence Calvert V.C. lived at 19 Beech Terrace, Conisbrough. He joined the King’s Own Yorkshire light infantry from Denaby and Cadeby Colliery Company and on September 12, 1918 won a Victoria Cross at Haveringcourt in France.

He was presented with the military medal and the Belgian Croix de Guerre, £500 worth of War Bonds, in addition to a sum of £35 raised by a village collection at a special ceremony.

 

From Wikipedia

 
War Office, 15th November, 1918. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the under mentioned Officers, Non commissioned Officers and Men: –

No. 240194 Sgt. Laurence Calvert, M.M.. K.O.Y.L.I. (Conisbro’).

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the success of the operation was rendered doubtful owing, to severe enfilade machine-gun fire. Alone and single-handed Sjt. Calvert, rushing forward against the machine-gun team, bayoneted three and shot four.

His valour and determination in capturing single-handed two machine guns and killing the crews thereof enabled the ultimate objective to be won. His personal gallantry inspired all ranks.

He was also awarded the Military Medal (MM), and the Belgian Order of Leopold (with palm), in the grade of Chevalier.

 

His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London
Rank Sergeant

Unit The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Battles/wars World War I

Awards Victoria Cross

Military Medal

Order of Leopold (with palm)

Photo supplied by Zoe on Flker:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zozo79/5161515118/

Laurence Calvert VC MM (16 February 1892 – 6 July 1964) 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.

Calvert was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 5th Battalion, The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when, on 12 September 1918 at Havrincourt, France at the Battle of Havrincourt, the above deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The full citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 12 November 1918 (dated 15 November 1918)