See the May issue of Britain at War for Lord Ashcroft’s new bravery article

  • 3 May, 2018
  • Bravery
  • Britain at War
  • Medals

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.

The May issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Acting Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for outstanding bravery during the Great War.

“Bertie” Anderson, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, originally joined the Army in 1902 but, after a spell working for his father’s accountancy and stockbroking firm, he was recommissioned in September 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War.

He was awarded the VC for extreme bravery on the evening of March 25 1918 in the Some Valley, northern France. He led a ferocious counter-attack on the enemy and was eventually fatally wounded as he strode out in front of his men, revolver in hand.

Anderson, who was married with two sons, died aged 36. His posthumous VC was announced on May 3 1918 and the citation praised him “setting a magnificent example to all”. Anderson had three younger brothers who all fought in the Great War and they died one by one during the conflict.

Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past six years have often been based on excerpts from his six books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes and Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II.

For the foreseeable future, Lord Ashcroft’s “hero of the month” articles will concentrate on men who were awarded the VC during the First World War. Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.

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