THE VICTORIA CROSS AND FIRST WORLD WAR TRIO OF CAMPAIGN MEDALS AWARDED TO 2ND LIEUTENANT EDMUND DE WIND, 15TH BN, ROYAL IRISH RIFLES, HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM .
16 November 2022

Medal entitlement of 2nd Lieutenant Edmund De Wind,
15th Bn, Royal Irish Rifles

  • Victoria Cross
  • 1914 - 15 Star
  • British War Medal ( 1914-19 )
  • Victory Medal ( 1914-20 )

The Victoria Cross and First World War trio of campaign medals awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Edmund De Wind, 15th Bn, Royal Irish Rifles, has been acquired by the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The purchase of the De Wind Victoria Cross group was made possible with the support from the National Collection Fund and from individual donors.

For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 15 May 1919 ], Groagie, France, 21 March 1918, 2nd Lieutenant Edmund De Wind, 15th Bn, Royal Irish Rifles.

For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 21st March 1918, at the Race Course Redoubt, near Groagie.

For seven hours he held this most important post, and though twice wounded and practically single-handed, he maintained his position until another section could be got to his help.

On two occasions, with two NCOs only, he got out on top under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and cleared the enemy out of the trench, killing many. He continued to repel attack after attack until he was mortally wounded and collapsed.

His valour, self-sacrifice and example were of the highest order.

Edmund De Wind died on the day of his VC action and has no known grave. His name is engraved on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

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Iain Stewart, 16 November 2022