Victoria Cross.[ToC]
†Lieut.-Colonel W.H. Anderson, formerly Captain "C" Company. Gained while serving with 12th Battalion H.L.I.
†15888 Sergeant J.Y. Turnbull. Gazette dated 25/12/16.
† Since deceased.
The following is the extract from The London Gazette of 3rd May, 1918, intimating the award of the Victoria Cross:—
"T. Maj. (A. Lt.-Col.) William Herbert Anderson,
late H.L.I.
"For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and gallant leading of his command. The enemy attacked on the right of the Battalion frontage, and succeeded in penetrating the wood held by our men. Owing to successive lines of the enemy following on closely there was the gravest danger that the flank of the whole position would be turned. Grasping the seriousness of the situation, Colonel Anderson made his way across the open in full view of the enemy now holding the wood on the right, and after much effort succeeded in gathering the remainder of the two right companies. He personally led the counter attack, and drove the enemy from the wood, capturing 12 machine guns and 70 prisoners, and restoring the original line. His conduct in leading the charge was quite fearless, and his most splendid example was the means of rallying and inspiring the men during a most critical hour.
"Later on in the same day the enemy had penetrated to within 300 yards of the village, and were holding a timber yard in force. Colonel Anderson re-organised his men after they had been driven in, and brought them forward to a position of readiness for a counter-attack. He led the attack in person, and throughout showed the utmost disregard for his own safety. The counter-attack drove the enemy from his position, but resulted in this very gallant officer losing his life. He died fighting within the enemy's lines, setting a magnificent example to all who were privileged to serve under him."
Among the first to join the 17th H.L.I. was Captain W.H. Anderson, a man widely known and highly respected in Glasgow social and business circles. He was with the Battalion during most of its training at Gailes and Troon, and before embarking for Service in France was gazetted as Major in the 19th H.L.I. He served with the same rank in the East Surreys till invalided home in March, 1917. On his return to France he was transferred to an H.L.I. Battalion, becoming Lieut.-Colonel, and shortly afterwards was killed in an attack at the head of his men of the 12th H.L.I. as recorded above.