George Campbell Wheeler

George Campbell Wheeler VC (7 April 1880[1] – 26 August 1938) was a 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.

George Campbell Wheeler

VC
Born(1880-04-07)7 April 1880
Yokohama, Japan
Died26 August 1938(1938-08-26) (aged 58)
Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire
Buried
St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, New Milton
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Indian Army
Years of service1900-
RankLieutenant colonel
Unit9th Gurkha Rifles
Battles/warsWorld War I
Awards Victoria Cross

Early life

Wheeler was born in 1880, and attended Bedford School from 1893 to 1897. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps on 20 January 1900, and served with the 9th (Gurkha Rifle) Bengal Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant on 20 April 1902.[2]

Details

He was 36 years old, and a major in the 2nd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, British Indian Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.[3]

On 23 February 1917 at Shumran on the River Tigris, Mesopotamia, Major Wheeler, together with one Gurkha officer and eight men of Khas battalion crossed the river and rushed the enemy's trench in the face of very heavy fire. Having obtained a footing on the far bank, he was almost immediately counter-attacked by the enemy with a party of bombers. Major Wheeler at once led a charge, receiving in the process a severe bayonet wound in the head. In spite of this, however, he managed to disperse the enemy and consolidate his position.[3]

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[1]

Notes
  1. "National Army Museum". Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  2. "No. 27469". The London Gazette. 29 August 1902. p. 5608.
  3. "No. 30122". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 June 1917. p. 5702.

See also

References
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