William Davidson Bissett

Who was William Davidson Bissett?

Major William Davidson Bissett VC was a Scottish 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.

Bissett was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1/6th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 October 1918 east of Maing, France, Lieutenant Bissett was commanding a platoon, but owing to casualties took command of the company and handled it with great skill when an enemy counter-attack turned his left flank. Realising the danger he withdrew to the railway, but the enemy continued to advance and when the ammunition was exhausted Lieutenant Bissett mounted the railway embankment under heavy fire and, calling for a bayonet charge, drove back the enemy with heavy loss and again charged forward, establishing the line and saving a critical situation.

He also served with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Royal Pioneer Corps in World War II and achieved the rank of major.

Bissett's headstone is located in Aldershot Military Cemetery in Aldershot Military Town, Hampshire, England.