Frederick William Hedges

Frederick William Hedges (6 June 1896 – 29 May 1954) was a British 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.

Early life
Frederick Hedges was born on the 6th June 1896 at Umballa in India, the seventh of nine children. He was later educated at Grove Road Boy's School, and Isleworth County School.

Frederick married his wife Mollie in Hounslow, Middlesex in 1919 and they had one son, John Grosvenor Hedges born in 1924.

Details
Hedges was 22 years old, and a temporary lieutenant in The Bedfordshire Regiment, British Army, attached to the 6th Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment during the First World War at the Pursuit to the Selle when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 24 October 1918 north-east of Bousies, France, Lieutenant Hedges led his company with great skill towards the final objective, maintaining direction under the most difficult conditions. When the advance was held up by enemy machine-gun posts the lieutenant, accompanied by one sergeant and followed at some considerable distance by a Lewis gun section, again advanced, capturing six machine-guns and 14 prisoners. His gallantry and initiative enabled the whole line to advance and contributed largely to the success of subsequent operations.

Hedges suffered from depression after the death of his son in a drowning accident and hanged himself.

The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment gallery located in Wardown Park Museum, Luton, Bedfordshire.