Private SAMUEL NEEDHAM
Bedfordshire Regiment
1st/5th Bn.
Died 04 November 1918
Age 33 years old
Photographer: Unknown
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of Septimus and Mary Needham, of Grimsby.
- Personal Inscription SAVIOUR IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING LEAVE WE NOW OUR LOVED ONE SLEEPING
- Additional Citation note
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 30982, dated 29th Oct., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when with a strong patrol which was heavily attacked by the enemy and forced back in confusion. At this critical moment Pte. Needham ran back and fired rapidly at a body of the enemy at point-blank range. His action checked the enemy and enabled the patrol commander to reorganise his men. The patrol had many casualties, but successfully got back all their wounded, and it was due to the action of individuals, of which this is the most outstanding, that the entire patrol was not cut off. Pte. Needham's example was of the greatest value at a critical moment, and the bold and determined stand made by him did more than anything to inspire confidence, and undoubtedly saved a critical situation."
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