Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey

Who was Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey?

Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey VC, CBE, MC, Croix de Guerre was an Irish Canadian rugby union player and soldier. During the First World War, while serving in the Canadian Army, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the Military Cross and the Croix de Guerre. He was later awarded a CBE. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Regiments. It is the only VC currently on display in the world that shows both sides of the medal.

Educated at Portora Royal School and Ellesmere College, Harvey played rugby for both Wanderers and Ireland. He is one of three Ireland rugby union internationals to have been awarded the Victoria Cross. The other two are Tom Crean and Robert Johnston, who both served in the Second Boer War. Like Harvey, Crean and Johnston also played for Wanderers. His two brothers Arnold and Duncan were also notable sportsmen. Both also represented Ireland at rugby, while Arnold also represented Ireland at cricket and athletics.