William Herbert Anderson

Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson (29 December 1881 – 25 March 1918) was a Scottish 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.

Anderson was born on 29 December 1881 to W. J. Anderson CBE, who resided at Strathairly, Largo, Fife. He was married to Gertrude Campbell. He was educated at Fettes College.

Anderson was 36 years old and an acting lieutenant colonel in the British Army, in the 12th (S) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 25 March 1918 at Bois Favieres, near Maricourt, France. He died as a result of the act for which he was commended.

A novel, The Way Home, was published in 2007 about Bertie Anderson and his three brothers, all of whom were also killed in the First World War. It was written by Robin Scott-Elliot, Bertie's great-grandson. Anderson's VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum.