Gordon muriel flowerdew biography sample

His squadron passed over both German lines, attacking with their swords, and then turned and passed over the lines again, driving the defending German soldiers into retreat. Nonetheless, Flowerdew continued to encourage his men, ordering them to dismount.

Gordon muriel flowerdew biography sample: Flowerdew was born in Billingford,

Through hand-to-hand fighting, the survivors managed to hold the previously occupied German positions until a unit led by Lieutenant Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey joined them. Harvey had received the VC in for his role in the attack on German positions at the Guyencourt, France. Flowerdew and his men prevented the capture of Moreuil Wood and denied the advancing German army a strategically important position.

Lieutenant Gordon Muriel Flowerdew died of his wounds on March 31, Published: Europe — United Kingdom — England. See previous. General Bibliography. Image Gallery Lt. Gordon M. Flowerdew, Victoria Cross recipient. This included Lieutenant G. Unable to break the trench deadlock and of little use at the front, cavalry remained behind the lines for much of the war.

During the German offensives of March and Aprilhowever, the cavalry played an essential role in the open warfare that temporarily confronted the retreating British forces. Date Medium oil on canvas Dimensions Height: Width: Realizing the critical nature of the operation and how much depended on it, Lieut. Flowerdew ordered a troop under Lieut.

Gordon muriel flowerdew biography sample: Gordon Muriel Flowerdew was born

Harvey, VC, to dismount and carry out a special movement, while he led the remaining three troops to the charge. The squadron less one troop passed over both lines, killing many of the enemy with the sword; and wheeling about galloping on them again. Although the squadron had then lost about 70 per cent of its members, killed and wounded from rifle and machine gun fire directed on it from the front and both flanks, the enemy broke and retired.

The survivors of the squadron then established themselves in a position where they were joined, after much hand-to-hand fighting, by Lieut. Flowerdew's commanding officer, Brigadier General Jack Seelyhad ordered a cavalry charge.

Gordon muriel flowerdew biography sample: Gordon Muriel Flowerdew () was born

Riding into the fire of five infantry companies and an artillery battery, the squadron suffered atrocious casualties more than half of the men in C Squadron were killedand Flowerdew himself was fatally wounded. However, the cavalry charge so unnerved the Germans that they were never able to capture Moreuil Wood, and their advance turned into a retreat in early April.

Flowerdew lived long enough to be made aware of the success of the charge. Seely wrote to his sister, referring to "when your brave young brother met his death at the moment of victory to which he had contributed the largest share". For most conspicuous bravery and dash when in command of a squadron detailed for special services of a very important nature.

On reaching his first objective, Lieutenant Flowerdew saw two lines of enemy, each about sixty strong, with machine guns in the centre and flanks; one line being about two hundred yards behind the other. Realizing the critical nature of the operation and how much depended on it, Lieut. Flowerdew ordered a troop under Lieut. Harvey, VC, to dismount and carry out a special movement, while he led the remaining three troops to the charge.

The squadron less one troop passed over both lines, killing many of the enemy with the sword; and wheeling about galloping on them again. Although the squadron had then lost about 70 per cent of its members, killed and wounded from rifle and machine gun fire directed on it from the front and both flanks, the enemy broke and retired. The survivors of the squadron then established themselves in a position where they were joined, after much hand-to-hand fighting, by Lieut.