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Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HERBERT ANDERSON

Regiment & Unit/Ship

Highland Light Infantry

12th Bn.

Date of Death

Died 25 March 1918

Age 36 years old

Buried or commemorated at

PERONNE ROAD CEMETERY, MARICOURT

II. G. 36.

France

Headstone

Photographer: Chris Leach

  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross
  • Additional Info Son of W. J. Anderson, C.B.E., of Strathairly, Largo, Fife, husband of Gertrude Campbell Anderson, of 23, Abingdon Court, Kensington, London.
  • Personal Inscription WHEN MY SPIRIT ENTERS TO ITS REST MY LIPS SHALL SAY "I TOO HAVE KNOWN THE BEST"
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from the "London Gazette," dated 30th April, 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and gallant leading of his command. The enemy attacked on the right of the battalion frontage and succeeded in penetrating the wood held by our men. Owing to successive lines of the enemy following on closely there was the greatest danger that the flank of the whole position would be turned. Grasping the seriousness of the situation, Colonel Anderson made his way across the open in full view of the enemy now holding the wood on the right, and after much effort succeeded in gathering the remainder of the two right companies. He personally led the counter-attack and drove the enemy from the wood, capturing twelve machine guns and seventy prisoners, and restoring the original line. His conduct in leading the charge was quite fearless and his most splendid example was the means of rallying and inspiring the men during the most critical hour. Later on the same day, in another position, the enemy had penetrated to within three hundred yards of the village and were holding a timber yard in force. Colonel Anderson reorganised his men after they had been driven in and brought them forward to a position of readiness for a counterattack. He led the attack in person and throughout showed the utmost disregard for his own safety. The counter-attack drove the enemy from his position, but resulted in this very gallant officer losing his life. He died fighting within the enemy's lines, setting a magnificent example to all who were privileged to serve under him."

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