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The Veterans of Sandwell

Featuring the current listing of World War Veterans at the Big House. Sandwell has contributed greatly to the war efforts of both First and Second World Wars. Here are the seven Victoria Cross heroes from both wars.

	Sgt. Harold John Colley Sgt. Harold John Colley V.C. M.M. of the Lancashire Fusiliers who was born on 26th May 1894 in Wilson Street, Smethwick. Awarded the Military Medal on 4th June 1917 and the Victoria Cross on 25th August 1918.
	Captain Robert Edwin Phillips Captain Robert Edwin Phillips V.C. of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding gallantry during the battle at Kut-Shatt El Hai in Mesopotamia on 25th January 1917. Captain Phillips lived at Holyhead House, Hill Top, West Bromwich. He died aged 73 in September 1968 at St Veeps, Lostwithiel, Cornwall.
	Lieutenant Herbert James Lieutenant Herbert James V.C. M.C. Croix de Guerre ( France ) Medal of La Solidaridad ( Panama ) 4th Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment. Lt. Herbert James was born in Ladywood but educated at Smethwick Central School. At the outbreak of World War I and in 1915 he went to Gallipoli. His gallant leadership under heavy fire on 28th June 1915 and single handed actions in keeping the enemy back on 3rd July at the same locality earned him the V.C. Lt. Herbert James was also awarded the Military Cross, Croix de Guerre for his service in France and was promoted to the rank of Major. He died in London in August 1958.
	Corporal Joseph Davies Corporal Joseph Davies V.C. 10th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. Born in Tipton on 28th April 1889 he was serving in India when the First World War broke out in 1914. He served in France and received shrapnel wounds and was promoted to Corporal in 1916. He was awarded the Victoria Cross on 20th July 1916 at Delville Wood one the Somme. The citation reads "Magnificent example of pluck and determination". He was also awarded the Russian Order of St. George ( First Class ) by Tsar Nicholas II.
	Lance Corporal John Patrick Kenneally Lance Corporal John Patrick Kenneally 1st Battalion Irish Guards awarded the Victoria Cross. On 28th April 1943 during the final assault on Tunis, Lance Corporal Patrick Kenneally repeatedly charged the enemy. On one occassion, single handed he charged down the bare forward slope straight at the main enemy body, firing his bren gun from the hip as he did so. His exploits on 28th of April through the 30th April 1943 and his gallantry on several occasions thwarted the enemy. Upon being wounded he refused to give up his gun and continued to fight with great courage, devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety.
	Lieutenant H D 'Den' Brotheridge Lieutenant H D 'Den' Brotheridge 2nd ( Airborne ) Bn. The Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry. The first British soldier killed in action on 'D' Day 6th June 1944 Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, France.
	William Alfred Savage V.C. William Alfred Savage was born on 30th October, 1912 at 7 Raglan Avenue in Smethwick. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery during the St. Nazaire raid in 1942.