George Henry Prowse VC – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Drake Battalion, Royal Navy Division
Chief Petty Officer George Henry Prowse VC – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Drake Battalion, Royal Navy Division
George Henry Prowse was born in 1896 in Gilfach,
Glamorgan, the son of John Prowse and Harriet Canter.George Henry Prowse
Early Family Life
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| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, the Prowse family were living at Meadgate Cottage, Camerton, Somerset. George’s father, John, aged 35 and born in Wiltshire, worked as a General Labourer. His wife Harriet was absent from the census, but their children listed were John (11), Reuben (9), Jane (7), George (4), and Florence (4), all attending school. Also present was Treffie E. Wise, aged 40, employed as a Housekeeper.
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family were still residing at Meadgate Cottage. John, now 49, was working as a Coal Miner, and Harriet, aged 46, was recorded at home. Their children at that time were Reuben (19) and George (15), both working as Coal Miners, and Dora (5).
In 1913, George Henry married Sarah Lewis in Swansea.
Military Service
George enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Drake Battalion Royal Navy Division
in 1915, initially with the rank of Ordinary Seaman. After
completing his training, he was promoted to Able Seaman.
He served in the Gallipoli Campaign, during which he
was hospitalised first for jaundice and later for gastroenteritis,
before rejoining his battalion in Egypt on 9 January 1916. The division
remained engaged in operations related to Gallipoli until May 1916, when
it was transferred to France. George arrived at Marseille on 7 June 1916,
and on 20 June he was promoted to Petty Officer.
In November 1916, the division took part in the Battle
of the Ancre, where George sustained gunshot wounds. After receiving
treatment, he eventually returned to his battalion in France in March 1917.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
In August 1918, George was recommended for the Distinguished
Conduct Medal (DCM). The published citation reads:
“On 21st August, 1918, at Logeast Wood, he led his men
with great gallantry against a machine gun that was holding up the advance of
the flank of his company, and in spite of difficulties of heavy mist he
captured it, disposing of the crew. On a subsequent occasion he held a position
against repeated counterattacks which were supported by an intense bombardment
for twenty-four hours. His courage, leadership, and cheerful disposition had an
invaluable effect on his men.”
Victoria Cross
In September 1918, George Henry Prowse was awarded
the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery. The official citation reads:
“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when,
during an advance, a portion of his company became disorganised by heavy
machine gun fire from an enemy strong point. Collecting what men were available
he led them with great coolness and bravery against this strong point,
capturing it together with twenty-three prisoners and five machine guns. Later,
he took a patrol forward in face of much enemy opposition, and established it
on important high ground. On another occasion he displayed great heroism by
attacking single-handed an ammunition limber which was trying to recover
ammunition, killing three men who accompanied it and capturing the limber. Two
days later he rendered valuable services when covering the advance of his
company with a Lewis gun section, and located later on two machine gun
positions in a concrete emplacement, which were holding up the advance of the
battalion on the right. With complete disregard of personal danger he rushed
forward with a small party and attacked and captured these posts, killing six
enemy and taking thirteen prisoners and two machine guns. He was the only
survivor of the gallant party, but by this daring and heroic action he enabled
the battalion on the right to push forward without further machine gun fire
from the village. Throughout the whole operations his magnificent example and
leadership were an inspiration to all, and his courage was superb.”
Death and Commemoration
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| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
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| George Henry Prowse VC Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France credit - findagrave |
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