Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30122, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30122/supplement/57. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 4/9720 Private Michael Heaviside, 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 6th May 1917 near Fontaine-les-Croiselles, France, when the Battalion was holding a block in the line a wounded man was observed about 2pm in a shell hole some sixty yards in advance of our block and about forty yards from the enemy line. He was making signals of distress and holding up an empty water bottle. Owing to snipers and machine-gun fire it was impossible, during daylight, to send out a stretcher party. But Private Heaviside at once volunteered to carry water and food to the wounded man, despite the enemy fire. This he succeeded in doing, and found the man to be badly wounded and nearly demented with thirst. He had lain out for four days and three nights, and the arrival of the water undoubtedly saved his life. Private Heaviside, who is a stretcher bearer, succeeded the same evening, with the assistance of two comrades, in rescuing the wounded man.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30122, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30122/supplement/57. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 4/9720 Private Michael Heaviside, 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 6th May 1917 near Fontaine-les-Croiselles, France, when the Battalion was holding a block in the line a wounded man was observed about 2pm in a shell hole some sixty yards in advance of our block and about forty yards from the enemy line. He was making signals of distress and holding up an empty water bottle. Owing to snipers and machine-gun fire it was impossible, during daylight, to send out a stretcher party. But Private Heaviside at once volunteered to carry water and food to the wounded man, despite the enemy fire. This he succeeded in doing, and found the man to be badly wounded and nearly demented with thirst. He had lain out for four days and three nights, and the arrival of the water undoubtedly saved his life. Private Heaviside, who is a stretcher bearer, succeeded the same evening, with the assistance of two comrades, in rescuing the wounded man.