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Key dates over August 1914

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Lives lost on this day: 4

George Wyatt awarded the Victoria Cross

26th August 1914 - George Wyatt awarded the Victoria Cross

Wyatt was 27 years old, a Lance-Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, the Coldstream Guards. Stationed around Landrecies, on the night of the 25/26 August the following action took place for which he was awarded his VC:

On 25/26 August 1914 at Landrecies, France, part of Lance-Corporal Wyatt's battalion was hotly engaged close to some farm buildings, when the enemy set alight some straw sacks in the farmyard. The lance-corporal twice dashed out under very heavy fire from the enemy, only 25 yards (23 m) away, and extinguished the burning straw, making it possible to hold the position. Later, although wounded in the head, he continued firing until he could no longer see owing to the blood pouring down his face. The medical officer bound up his wound and ordered him to the rear, but he returned to the firing line and went on fighting.

Promoted to Lance-Sergeant on 28 February 1917, he was demobilised on 14 January 1919.

For more information see... George Wyatt VC

3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment deaths: Lt. Mordaunt Edward Leonard Hannam Clarke, d. F & F. 3rd Batt.; Pte. Daniel Robinson 8720, d. F & F, 3rd Batt.; Pte George Edward Skidmore 9404, 3rd Batt.; Pte Frank Wichard 6107, d. F & F, 3rd. Batt.

3rd Worcs. Batt: occupied 2 trenches west of Caudry, with 2 companies, attacked early morning, very heavily shelled;

Pte W T Malone wounded in the head but refused to leave the firing line and remained in action. He was awarded the DCM.

WAR OFFICE ACCEPTS INFIRMARY’S OFFER

Mr Stallard, Secretary to the Worcester Infirmary, has received a communication from the War Office stating that the authorities will be pleased to accept the offer of 50 beds for the wounded should they be required.

Possible dearth of teachers. Two teachers from Evesham had gone to the front. Mr Geoffrey New suggested that, if there were difficulties replacing them with male teachers, women teachers should be engaged in boys' schools.

The Battle of Le Cateau. British Expeditionary Force suffers 7,812 casualties and is forced to retreat.