John Norwood


Captain John Norwood VC was an English 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. He was educated at Exeter College, Oxford.

Early military career

Norwood was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 5th Dragoon Guards on 8 February 1899.

Victoria Cross details

Norwood was 23 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 5th Dragoon Guards, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at Ladysmith for which he was awarded the VC:
He served in Transvaal and the Orange River Colony, and was promoted to lieutenant on 27 June 1900. He stayed with the Guards regiment in South Africa until the war ended in May 1902, and left for Calcutta on the SS Umlazi two months later.

Later military career

Norwood later achieved the rank of captain. He served in the First World War and was killed in action during the First Battle of the Marne at Sablonnieres, France, on 8 September 1914.

Memorial

A brass memorial to him can be seen in St Michael's Church, East Peckham, Kent
His name is inscribed on a large plaque in Exeter College chapel, which is in remembrance of all those former members of the college who fell in the Great War.
His VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum, London.