Richard Wakeford

Major Richard Wakeford VC (23 July 1921 – 27 August 1972) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War II, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details
Wakeford was 22 years old, and a temporary captain in the 2/4th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment of the British Army, during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 13 May 1944 near Cassino, Italy, Captain Wakeford, accompanied only by his orderly and armed only with a revolver, went forward and killed a number of the Nazi 1st Parachute Division and took 20 prisoners. When attacking a hill feature the following day his company came under heavy fire, but although wounded in the face and both arms, Captain Wakeford pressed home the attack. He was wounded again, but reached the objective and consolidated the position.

Further information
He later achieved the rank of major. His VC is held by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers in London.