World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, into the Prendergast Vereker noble dynasty, he was a career military man and the 6th Viscount Lord Gort. In World War I, he served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, British Army. On September 27, 1918, Captain Vereker led his men in an attack across the Canal du Nord, near Flesquieres, France. Under severe fire from artillery and machine guns, although wounded, he went across open ground to obtain the assistance of a tank and quickly grasped the situation. Wounded again, he insisted on getting up and personally directed the further attack. Pressing forward, his actions resulted in the capture of over 200 prisoners, two batteries of field guns, and numerous machine guns. He then proceeded to organize the defense of the captured position until he had to leave the field to have his wounds attended to. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on November 27, 1918. He went on to became Chief Staff Officer at London District in 1926, was made Knight Commander of the Order of Bath in 1938, and served as Commander of the British Expeditionary Forces during World War II. He died of cancer at age 59 in London, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, into the Prendergast Vereker noble dynasty, he was a career military man and the 6th Viscount Lord Gort. In World War I, he served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, British Army. On September 27, 1918, Captain Vereker led his men in an attack across the Canal du Nord, near Flesquieres, France. Under severe fire from artillery and machine guns, although wounded, he went across open ground to obtain the assistance of a tank and quickly grasped the situation. Wounded again, he insisted on getting up and personally directed the further attack. Pressing forward, his actions resulted in the capture of over 200 prisoners, two batteries of field guns, and numerous machine guns. He then proceeded to organize the defense of the captured position until he had to leave the field to have his wounds attended to. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on November 27, 1918. He went on to became Chief Staff Officer at London District in 1926, was made Knight Commander of the Order of Bath in 1938, and served as Commander of the British Expeditionary Forces during World War II. He died of cancer at age 59 in London, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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