(acting Captain and Adjutant)
(Neuve Eglise - Lys)
During the stand against the German onslaught on the Lys Valley in 1918, Battalion Headquarters of the 2nd Battalion, with "B" Company, took up its position in the Town Hall of Neuve Eglise, Belgium. They were soon closely engaged with the enemy, who poured into the village and surrounded them. The defence held out stubbornly against the fire of machine guns and trench mortars, but it was only a matter of time before they must be overwhelmed. An attempt was made to get a message through for help, but the officer taking it was killed. Lieutenant Crowe was Adjutant of the Battalion, and he decided, with volunteers, to make a sortie and to clear a path for retirement. With a quick rush they occupied a cow shed close by; then, with two men, Lieutenant Crowe crawled round and rushed a machine gun post, capturing both guns. The others then came up, and communication with those in the rear was established.
Fresh reinforcements for the enemy arrived, and the little garrison, ammunition exhausted, retired; their retirement was covered throughout by Lieutenant Crowe's party.
 |
Lieutenant
Crowe was born at Devonport, Devon on the 28th December 1876. He won his
VC at the age of 41. He later achieved the rank of Captain. He died on the
27th February 1965, Brighton and is buried at Downs Crematorium, Brighton.
His VC is on display at the Worcestershire Regiment Museum, Worcester.
The photo on the left shows Lieutenant Crowe receiving his VC from King George V. Below is a painting by Gilbert Holiday showing Captain Crowe and his two men rushing the German Machine Guns. This painting is in the possession of the Regiment. |
|
|
