William Thomas Forshaw

Major William Thomas Forshaw VC (20 April 1890 – 26 May 1943) 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.

Early life

Forshaw was born 20 April 1890 in Barrow-in-Furness. In civilian life Forshaw was a teacher and was teaching at the North Manchester School, a prep school for The Manchester Grammar School, immediately before the outbreak of the First World War.

Military career

When he was 25 years old, and a Lieutenant (temporary Captain) in the 1/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, Territorial Force during the First World War, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions between 7 and 9 August 1915 in Gallipoli, Turkey at the Battle of Krithia Vineyard. The London Gazette of 9 September 1915 reported

He later achieved the rank of Major.

His Victoria Cross and other campaign medals are displayed at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment, Ashton-under-Lyne, England in the Forshaw Room.