Ivor Rees


Ivor Rees VC was a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Rees was born at Felinfoel. He enlisted into the 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of the 115th Brigade, 38th Division. Rees survived the fighting at Mametz Wood, and moved with the Division to Ypres. At Ypres, the Battalion were tasked with the capture of the Pilckem Ridge - a heavily fortified German defensive line during the Battle of Passchendaele.
His citation read:

Later life

During the Second World War, he served as a Company Sergeant-Major in the Home Guard. Rees died on 12 March 1967 at Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Legacy

Rees is remembered on memorials in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral and at Llanelli Town Hall, Carmarthenshire.
His Victoria Cross is owned by the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh, Brecon, Powys, Wales.