At least four Victoria Crosses were won by men from the Waveney Valley during the Great War, and two of them came from neighbouring villages. All four awards were posthumous and one of the men won his in an attack described as “the last great cavalry charge”.
Sergeant Claud Castleton, Australian Imperial Force. Born in Kirkley, died at Pozieres, France, 29th July 1916. He was 23.
Skipper Tom Crisp, Royal Naval Reserve. Born in Lowestoft, died in the North Sea, 15th August 1917. He was 41.
Lieutenant Gordon Flowerdew, Lord Strathcona’s Horse. Born in Billingford, died at Moreuil, France, 31st March 1918. He was 33.
Lance-Corporal Ernest Seaman, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Born in Norwich, moved to Scole, died at Tehrand, Belgium, 29th September 1918. He was 25.
We’ll be updating this page with more about these men as time goes on. Only 627 individuals won the VC during the Great War. Four were from the Waveney Valley.