Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The G.S.M. ‘Iraq’ awarded to Private W. J. Grundy, Manchester Regiment, who was taken prisoner by the Arabs at the V.C. action of Hillah, 24 July 1920

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (85038 Pte. W. J. Grundy. Manch R.) minor edge bruising, otherwise very fine £200-£300

Dix Noonan Webb, April 2001.

W. J. Grundy resided at 106 Towson Street, Everton, Liverpool. He was taken prisoner by the Arabs at Hillah on 24 July, 1920. Grundy was subsequently released and rejoined his regiment at Kufah on 19 October, 1920. In this action the Manchesters, commanded by Captain G. S. Henderson, fought off a large party of Arabs at the point of bayonet, suffering severe casualties including Captain Henderson who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

The citation for Henderson’s Victoria Cross reads:

‘For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice. On the evening of the 24th July, 1920, when about fifteen miles from Hillah (Mesopotamia), the Company under his command was ordered to retire. After proceeding about 500 yards a large party of Arabs suddenly opened fire from the flank, causing the Company to split up and waver. Regardless of all danger, Capt. Henderson at once reorganised the Company, led them gallantly to the attack and drove off the enemy. On two further occasions this officer led his men to charge the Arabs with the bayonet and forced them to retire. At one time, wnen the situation was extremely critical and the troops and transport were getting out of hand, Capt. Henderson, by sheer pluck and coolness, steadied his command prevented the Company from being cut up and saved the situation. During the second charge he fell wounded, but refused to leave his command, and just as the Company reached the trench they were making for he was again wounded. Realising that he could do no more, he asked one of his N.C.O.'s to hold him up on the embankment, saying, "I'm, done now, don't let them beat you." He died fighting.’