Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30167, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30167/supplements/6697. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 18233 Private John Readitt, South Lancashire Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when working down a broad, deep water-course on 25th February 1917 at Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia. Five times he went forward in the face of very heavy machine-gun fire at very close range, being the sole survivor on each occasion. These advances drove back the enemy machine-guns, and about 300 yards of water-course was made good in an hour. After his officer had been killed Private Readitt, on his own initiative, organised and made several more advances. On reaching the enemy barricade, he was forced by a counter-attack to retire, giving ground slowly and continuing to throw bombs. On supports reaching him, he held a forward bend by bombing until the position was consolidated. The action of this gallant soldier saved the left flank and enabled his Battalion to maintain its position. BRONZE MEDAL,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30263/supplements/9105.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30167, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30167/supplements/6697. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 18233 Private John Readitt, South Lancashire Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when working down a broad, deep water-course on 25th February 1917 at Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia. Five times he went forward in the face of very heavy machine-gun fire at very close range, being the sole survivor on each occasion. These advances drove back the enemy machine-guns, and about 300 yards of water-course was made good in an hour. After his officer had been killed Private Readitt, on his own initiative, organised and made several more advances. On reaching the enemy barricade, he was forced by a counter-attack to retire, giving ground slowly and continuing to throw bombs. On supports reaching him, he held a forward bend by bombing until the position was consolidated. The action of this gallant soldier saved the left flank and enabled his Battalion to maintain its position. BRONZE MEDAL,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30263/supplements/9105.