Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 31340, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/31340/pages/6083. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Captain Edward Donald Bellew, 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion. (British Columbia Regiment). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Keerselaere, Belgium on 24th April 1915, during the German attack on the Ypres salient. Captain (then Lieutenant) Bellew, as Battalion Machine Gun Officer, had two guns in action on the high ground overlooking Keerselaere. The enemy's attack broke in full force on the morning of the 24th against the front and right flank of the Battalion – the latter being exposed owing to a gap in the line. The right company was soon put out of action, but the advance was temporarily stayed by Captain Bellew, who had sited his guns on the left of the right Company. Reinforcements were sent forward but they in turn were surrounded and destroyed. With the enemy in strength less than 100 yards from him, with no further assistance in sight, and with his rear threatened, Captain Bellew and Serjeant Peerless, each operating a gun, decided to stay where they were and fight it out. Serjeant Peerless was killed and Captain Bellew was wounded and fell. Nevertheless, he got up and maintained his fire till ammunition failed and the enemy rushed the position. Captain Bellew then seized a rifle, smashed his machine-gun, and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 31340, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/31340/pages/6083. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Captain Edward Donald Bellew, 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion. (British Columbia Regiment). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Keerselaere, Belgium on 24th April 1915, during the German attack on the Ypres salient. Captain (then Lieutenant) Bellew, as Battalion Machine Gun Officer, had two guns in action on the high ground overlooking Keerselaere. The enemy's attack broke in full force on the morning of the 24th against the front and right flank of the Battalion – the latter being exposed owing to a gap in the line. The right company was soon put out of action, but the advance was temporarily stayed by Captain Bellew, who had sited his guns on the left of the right Company. Reinforcements were sent forward but they in turn were surrounded and destroyed. With the enemy in strength less than 100 yards from him, with no further assistance in sight, and with his rear threatened, Captain Bellew and Serjeant Peerless, each operating a gun, decided to stay where they were and fight it out. Serjeant Peerless was killed and Captain Bellew was wounded and fell. Nevertheless, he got up and maintained his fire till ammunition failed and the enemy rushed the position. Captain Bellew then seized a rifle, smashed his machine-gun, and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner.