Samuel Forsyth, VC

Samuel Forsyth, VC (3 April 1891 – 24 August 1918) was a non-commissioned officer in the New Zealand Military Forces who served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War. He participated in the Gallipoli Campaign and later fought on the Western Front where he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award of the British Commonwealth for gallantry "in the face of the enemy".

Citation:

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30967, dated 18th Oct., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On nearing the objective, his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Through Serjt. Forsyth's dashing leadership and total disregard of danger, three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoner before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. During subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine guns, two of which he located by a daring reconnaissance. In his endeavour to gain support from a Tank, he was wounded, but after having the wound bandaged, he again got in touch with the Tank, which in the face of very heavy fire from machine guns and anti-Tank guns, he endeavoured to lead with magnificent coolness to a favourable position. The Tank, however, was put out of action. Serjt. Forsyth then organised the Tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine guns could be outflanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about a retirement of the enemy machine guns and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant N.C.O. was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the commencement of the attack until the time of his death Serjt. Forsyth's courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades."

His Victoria Cross is not publicly held.

Biography:

• Wikipedia contributors. "Samuel Forsyth." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

FORSYTH, SAMUEL

Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 4/400
Date of Death: 24/08/1918
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: New Zealand Engineers No. 3 Field Coy.
Awards: V C Grave Reference: I. I. 39.
Cemetery: ADANAC MILITARY CEMETERY, MIRAUMONT
Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Forsyth, of Wellington, New Zealand; husband of Mary S. Forsyth, of 79, John Knox St., Glasgow, Scotland.

• Cenotaph Record
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• New Zealand War Graves Record
• War Art