| Percy Howard Hansen | |
|---|---|
| File:VCPercyHowardHansen.jpg | |
| Born | October 26, 1890 |
| Died | February 12, 1951 (aged 60) |
| Place of birth | Durban, South Africa |
| Place of death | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Place of burial | Garrison Cemetery, Copenhagen |
| Service/branch |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1911 - 1946 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Unit | The Lincolnshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Legion of Merit French Croix de guerre |
Brigadier Percy Howard Hansen VC, DSO, MC (26 October 1890 in Dresden[1][2] – 12 February 1951), was a Danish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 24 years old, and a captain in the 6th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 August 1915 at Yilghin Bumu, Gallipoli, Turkey, Captain Hansen's battalion was forced to retire leaving some wounded behind, owing to the intense heat from the scrub which had been set on fire. After the retirement Captain Hansen, with three or four volunteers dashed forward several times over 300-400 yards of open scrub, under a terrific fire and succeeded in rescuing six wounded men from inevitable death by burning.
Hansen served in Second World War. He later achieved the rank of Brigadier.
He is one of only fourteen men not born British or Commonwealth citizens to have received the Victoria Cross[citation needed], although he was born in Durban, Natal, at the time a British colony, and his birthplace is listed as such by the noted military historian Max Arthur in his book, Symbol of Courage (page 651).
References[]
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Gallipoli (Stephen Snelling, 1995)
Hansen's medal collection at the Imperial War Museum.
The original article can be found at Percy Hansen and the edit history here.