Gazette Information: Gazette Issue 29202, Victoria Cross,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29202/supplement/6115. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty:- No. 9539 Lance-Sergeant Douglas Walter Belcher, 1-5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). On the early morning of 13th May 1915, when in charge of a portion of an advanced breastwork south of the Wieltje-St Julien Road during a very fierce and continuous bombardment by the enemy, which frequently blew in the breastwork, Lance-Sergeant Belcher with a mere handful of men elected to remain and endeavour to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn. By his skill and great gallantry he maintained his position during the day, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150 to 200 yards distant, whenever he saw them collecting for an attack. There is little doubt that the bold front shown by Lance-Sergeant Belcher prevented the enemy breaking through on the Wieltje Road, and averted an attack on the flank of one of our Divisions.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: Gazette Issue 29202, Victoria Cross,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29202/supplement/6115. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty:- No. 9539 Lance-Sergeant Douglas Walter Belcher, 1-5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). On the early morning of 13th May 1915, when in charge of a portion of an advanced breastwork south of the Wieltje-St Julien Road during a very fierce and continuous bombardment by the enemy, which frequently blew in the breastwork, Lance-Sergeant Belcher with a mere handful of men elected to remain and endeavour to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn. By his skill and great gallantry he maintained his position during the day, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150 to 200 yards distant, whenever he saw them collecting for an attack. There is little doubt that the bold front shown by Lance-Sergeant Belcher prevented the enemy breaking through on the Wieltje Road, and averted an attack on the flank of one of our Divisions.