William Frederick Faulds

William Frederick Faulds (19 February 1895 – 16 February 1950) was a South African soldier, and 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 the first South African-born man serving with South African Forces to be awarded the VC.

Faulds was born 19 February 1895. When he was 21 years old, and a private in 1st Regiment, 1st South African Infantry Brigade during the First World War, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 18 July 1916 at Delville Wood, France.

The citation reads as follows:

As a temporary Lieutenant, Faulds was also awarded the Military Cross for actions at Hedicourton 22 March 1918. This citation, for the Military Cross reads: In the retirement from the line east of Hendicourt, 22 March 1918, he was commanding one of the platoons which formed the rear-guard. He handled his men most ably, and exposed himself freely. Though the enemy pressed hard, he, by his fearless and able leadership, checked them, and enabled the remainder of the battalion to withdraw with slight loss. He died 16 February 1950 and was buried in Pioneer Cemetery, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Other medals awarded to Faulds were the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal 1914-1920, the Allied Victory Medal 1914-1918 (South African issue), the 1939-1945 Star, the Africa Star, the Defence Medal 1939-1945, the War Medal 1939-1945, the Africa Service Medal and the King George VI Coronation Medal 1937. Depiction of the action during which Pte Faulds was cited for the Victoria Cross. Refer Battle of Delville Wood

The insurance money from the loss of the medals contributed to the building of the Capt W F Faulds VC MC Centre at the museum; the Centre consists of conference and function facilities.