| Date | 11 April 1997 |
|---|---|
| Source | The Observer |
| Reference | PN-0012 |
| Volume | People in the News |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Tribute to a Soldier’s Valour
The bravery of a Windsor soldier nearly 80 years ago will never be forgotten.
A plaque in memory of Lt Col Harry Greenwood was unveiled at Victoria Barracks on Tuesday by Royal Borough Mayor, Ady Sheldon.
Mr Greenwood was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery in the First World War.
He was born at the Sheet Street barracks in November 1881, the then Windsor Infantry Barracks, where his father was serving in the Grenadier Guards.
Harry Greenwood is one of only two Victoria Cross winners, the nation’s highest award for valour, to have been born in Windsor.
He died in 1948 in Wimbledon.
His old regiment, the Light Infantry, was represented by Major David Lawrence for the plaque unveiling.
Also present were Col Pat Porteous, who won his VC at Dieppe in 1942, one of 31 surviving VC winners, and Major Alastair Mathewson of the Scots Guards, currently based at Victoria Barracks.
In October, 1918, Lt Col Greenwood was in command of the 9th battalion of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Ovillers, France. The battalion was held up by enemy machine gun fire on October 23, and Lt Col Greenwood singlehandedly rushed the position and killed the crew. He later destroyed another German machine gun position.
The battalion was almost surrounded by enemy forces who started to attack. Lt Col Greenwood led his men forward, capturing 150 prisoners and a number of machine guns.
The following day he again inspired his men, despite heavy casualties, to achieve their mission.
Photo: MAYOR Ady Sheldon beside the plaque with Major Alastair Mathewson and Col Pat Porteous.
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