Date of action: 12 Sep 1918 (Gouzeaucourt Wood, France); Date of award: 15 Nov 1918
Sergenat Henry (Harry) Laurent won his VC near Gouzeaucourt Wood in September 1918 when the 12-man fighting patrol he was leading became lost behind enemy lines. In the process of extricating his men, Laurent attacked a German trench system, killing 30 enemy soldiers and capturing 112 prisoners in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. He then led his patrol back to their own lines, managing to keep all the prisoners under control while at the same time fighting a rearguard action.
Henry Laurent, 1918
Date of action: 12 Sep 1918 (Gouzeaucourt Wood, France); Date of award: 15 Nov 1918
Sergenat Henry (Harry) Laurent won his VC near Gouzeaucourt Wood in September 1918 when the 12-man fighting patrol he was leading became lost behind enemy lines. In the process of extricating his men, Laurent attacked a German trench system, killing 30 enemy soldiers and capturing 112 prisoners in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. He then led his patrol back to their own lines, managing to keep all the prisoners under control while at the same time fighting a rearguard action.