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 December issue of the magazine has four pages on the life and career of Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfrith Elstob, VC, DSO, MC, who was decorated for his incredible courage during the First World War.
Wilfrith Elstob was born, in Chichester, Sussex, in September 1888 and was the third son of the Rev John Elstob, a vicar and later the canon of Chester Cathedral.
Before the war Elstob worked as a teacher but after the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted, initially as a private in the Private Schools Battalion and, later, he accepted a commission into the newly-formed 1st Manchester Pals Battalion.
It was for his incredible bravery in defence of “Manchester Hill” near St Quentin, France, that Elstob was awarded a posthumous VC. Facing a massive attack from a much larger enemy force, he informed his brigade commander that “The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill to the last man.”
He received several wounds before dying in battle on March 21 1918, six months before his 30th birthday.
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past ten years have been largely based on excerpts from his seven books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II and Falklands War Heroes.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
- Lord Ashcroft’s latest article appears in the December issue of Britain at War which is on sale now.
