Picture Born 22 March 1891 in Burton, Neston, died 20 July 1916 at Buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. ( London Gazette, 24 October 1916 ) At Longueval, 6 July to 20 July 1916. Major William ( Billy ) La Touche Congreve, Rifle Brigade. “For most conspicuous bravery during a period of fourteen days preceding his death in action. This officer constantly performed acts of gallantry and showed the greatest devotion to duty, and by his personal example inspired all those around him with confidence at critical periods of the operations. During preliminary preparations for the attack he carried out personal reconnaissances of the enemy lines, taking out parties of officers and non-commissioned officers for over 1,000 yards in front of our line, in order to acquaint them with the ground. All these preparations were made under fire. Later, by night, Major Congreve conducted a battalion to its position of employment, afterwards returning to it to ascertain the situation after assault . He established himself in an exposed forward position from where he successfully observed the enemy, and gave orders necessary to drive them from their position. Two days later, when Brigade Headquarters was heavily shelled and many casualties resulted, he went out and assisted the medical officer to remove the wounded to places of safety, although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell effects. He again on a subsequent occasion showed supreme courage in tending wounded under heavy shell fire. He finally returned to the front line to ascertain the situation after an unsuccessful attack, and whilst in the act of writing his report, was shot and killed instantly.” William was known as 'Billy' and was educated at Oxford and Eton, he married Pamela Cynthia Maude on 1 July 1916 before returning to France, 19 days after his wedding he was killed by a sniper at Longueval at 1055 am on 20th July 1916 whilst observing the enemy. His widow Pamela was pregnant with their child, she named their daughter Gloria. William was the first man to win the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross, he was also awarded the French Légion d'honneur. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester. William's father Walter won a Victoria Cross at the Battle of Colenso during the Boer War on 15 December 1899. They are one of only 3 sets of Father and son to have won the Victoria Cross.

jane elder