Walter Lorrain Brodie

Who was Walter Lorrain Brodie?

Lieutenant Colonel Walter Lorrain Brodie VC MC 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.

Brodie was 29 years old, and a captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 11 November 1914 near Becelaere, Belgium, Captain Brodie led a charge to evict the enemy from a portion of British trenches which they had succeeded in occupying. He bayoneted several of the enemy himself and relieved a dangerous situation. As a result of the captain's prompt action, 80 of the enemy were killed and 51 taken prisoner.

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Brodie was killed in action near Moeuvres, France, on 23 August 1918.