William Henry Short

William Henry Short VC (4 February 1884 – 6 August 1916) was an English 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.

Short was from Eston, Middlesbrough. Before the war he was a steelworker, working as a craneman in a steelworks at Eston. He was also a popular local footballer, playing for the Grangetown Albion, Saltburn, and Lazenby United.

He was 31 years old, and a private in the 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own), (Green Howards) British Army during the First World War. On 6 August 1916 at Munster Alley, Contalmaison, France, during the Battle of the Somme, for which he was awarded the VC. "For most conspicuous bravery. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was severely wounded in the foot. He was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell, and he was unable to stand, so he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For the last eleven months he had always volunteered for dangerous enterprises, and has always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty."

Short was interred at Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, France. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire, England. His steel helmet is part of the collection of the Imperial War Museum.