| Date | 26 October 1916 |
|---|---|
| Source | The London Gazette of 26 Oct 1916, Num. 29802, pp. 10393-94 |
| Reference | WW1-0005 |
| Volume | First World War |
| Collection | Victoria Cross Recipients |
He displayed exceptional bravery and devotion to duty during a fourteen-day period preceding his death in action. He conducted personal reconnaissances, led his battalion under fire, and established himself in exposed positions to observe and direct operations. Despite suffering from gas and shell effects, he assisted in rescuing the wounded and was ultimately killed while writing a report after an unsuccessful attack.
Extract from The London Gazette
| Name: | William La Touche Congreve VC DSO MC |
| Born: | 22 Mar 1891; Burton Hall, Burton. |
| Died: | 20 Jul 1916; NW of Deville Wood, Somme, France. |
| Buried: | Corbie Communal Cemetery, 1.F.35, France. |
| Unit: | 3rd Battalion The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own), 76th Brigade, 3rd Division |
| Date of Action: | 20 Jul 1916 |
| Place: | Longueval, France |
| Rank: | Brevet Major |
| Gazetted: | The London Gazette of 26 Oct 1916, Num. 29802, pp. 10393-94 |
| VC No: | 729 |
| Presented: | 1 Nov 1916 by King George V at Buckingham Palace. |
| Displayed: | Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, Winchester |
| References: | [33] |
| Connection: | Educated at Eton College. Named on the VC/GC Memorial at Eton College. |
| Awards: | Victoria CrossDistinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches Knight of the Legion of Honour (France) |
| Notes: | Legion of Honour. Son of Lt.-Gen. Sir Walter Congreve, V.C., K.C.B., M.V.O., and Lady Congreve, of Chartley Castle, Staffs.; husband of Pamela Congreve, of 15 Queen Anne’s Gate, London. Billy was known for his bravery during the War, being the first officer in the War to be awarded the VC, MC and DSO. |