Victoria Cross medals on show for Leeds heroes

Victoria Crosses, presented for 'gallantry in the presence of the enemy' to three First World War soldiers from Leeds, have gone on display in their home city.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Nov 2018, 07:41 BST

Updated 13th Nov 2018, 09:40 BST

GALLANTRY: The medals for Laurence Calvert, William Boynton and George Sanders are on display.

William Boynton Butler was a 22-year-old private in the 17th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in 1917 as part of a Stokes mortar crew.

His citation said he demonstrated the “most conspicuous bravery in trenches which were being heavily shelled”.

Laurence Calvert was awarded the VC for single-handedly capturing two enemy machine guns with just a standard issue rifle and Pattern 1907 bayonet.

And George Sanders, a corporal separated from his battalion, led his men through 36 hours of fighting before returning to British lines. All three medals will be displayed at the Royal Armouries Museum until April.

Leeds