Douglas Walter Belcher

Douglas Walter Belcher VC (15 July 1889 – 3 June 1953) 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.

Personal information
Belcher was born on 15 July 1889 in Surbiton, then in Surrey, now in Greater London, and was educated at Tiffin School in Kingston upon Thames until 1903. Following his death on 3 June 1953, aged 63, he was buried at Holy Trinity Churchyard, Claygate.

Award of the Victoria Cross
Belcher was a lance-sergeant in the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (The London Rifle Brigade), British Army, during the First World War, when the deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. He was 25 years old.

On 13 May 1915, south of the Wieltje-St. Julien Road, Belgium, Belcher was in charge of a portion of an advanced breastwork during continuous bombardment by the enemy. With very few men, Belcher elected to remain and try to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn, and with great skill he succeeded in his objective, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150-200 yards away, whenever he saw them collecting for an attack. This bold action prevented the enemy breaking through and averted an attack on the flank of one of our divisions.

The Medal
His medal is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester.