Lieut.-Colonel George William St. George Grogan VC 
(29th May 1918)(temp. Brigadier General) 

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
temp. Commander 23rd Infantry Brigade.
(Aisne)

During the Battle of the Aisne (1918), the Germans made a surprise attack on a sector held by young drafts, and broke through; and, although Colonel Grogan rallied the survivors and repelled several attacks, he was forced to retire to a fresh position. A second time the same thing happened, until finally a new line was formed along an open ridge, on high ground to the south. By now Colonel Grogan was commanding a mixed force (23rd infantry Brigade) of about eight hundred men of various regiments. They had been without food and rest for forty-eight hours, but they must hold out, as no reinforcements could arrive for another day. 

Many attacks were repulsed, but we lost heavily, and at last had to retire to some half-dug trenches held by the 2nd Wiltshires. In this position there was a general medley, including some French troops. The enemy continued their pressure, and Colonel Grogan rode along the front of the line, cheering on his troops. "You can stop them if you want to," he cried; "the Boches are no bloody good." Shells, bombs and bullets were all round him; his horse was killed under him, but he found another mount and continued to inspire his men.
Fired by the noble example of their commander, made confident by his reckless bravery, the troops held on, repulsing two more attacks before the reinforcements arrived. Colonel Grogan's Victoria Cross was the reward for that inspired leadership under which tired, hungry and disheartened men became heroes. Colonel Grogan was also awarded at various times the C.B., the C.M.G., and the D.S.O. (with bar); he was also appointed A.D.C. to The King. In November 1938, on the retirement from that position of Field-Marshal Sir Claud Jacob, Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Grogan was appointed Colonel of the Regiment, which position he occupied until 1945. 

Colonel Grogan who was born in St Andrews, Fifeshire, 1st September 1875 won his VC at the age of 42. He later achieved the full rank of Brigadier General. He died on the 3rd January 1962, Sunningdale, Berkshire and is buried at the Woking Crematorium, Surrey. His VC medal is privately held. 
 

The above painting by Gilbert Holiday shows Colonel Grogan on the Bouleuse Ridge cheering and encouraging his men. This picture is in the possession of the Regiment. 

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