Edward Elers Delaval Henderson


Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Elers Delaval Henderson VC was a British 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.

Early life

Henderson was educated at Dunstable Grammar School. He joined the West India Regiment as Second lieutenant on 15 December 1900, and was seconded for service with the Northern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 10 February 1902.

Victoria cross action

He was 38 years old, and a major and acting lieutenant colonel in The North Staffordshire Regiment, British Army, attached to The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, commanding 9th Battalion during the First World War. On 25 January 1917 on the west bank of the River Hai, near Kut, Mesopotamia, he performed the deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
He was buried in the Amara War Cemetery.

The Medal

His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.