Laurence Calvert

Who was Laurence Calvert?

Laurence Calvert VC MM was an English 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.

Calvert was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 5th Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when, on 12 September 1918 at Havrincourt, France at the Battle of Havrincourt, the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The full citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 12 November 1918:

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and Men: —

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No. 240194 Sgt. Laurence Calvert, M.M.. K.O.Y.L.I..

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the success of the operation was rendered doubtful owing, to severe enfilade machine-gun fire. Alone and single-handed Sjt. Calvert, rushing forward against the machine-gun team, bayoneted three and shot four.

He was also awarded the Military Medal, and the Belgian Order of Leopold, in the grade of Chevalier.