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PRIVATE ERIC ANDERSON: EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT

AWARDED VICTORIA CROSS IN 1943 WHILST SERVING IN TUNISIA

Wadi Akarit, Tunisia, 6th April 1943

From the official citation 29th July 1943

The Deed that won the Victoria Cross....

Further advance in that direction was impossible, and 'A' company was able to withdraw behind the crest of a hill with the exception of a few men who were wounded and pinned to the ground by strong and well directed small-arms fire.

Private Anderson, a stretcher bearer attached to 'A' Company, seeing these men lying wounded in 'No-Man's Land', quite regardless of his personal safety, went forward alone through intense fire, and single-handed carried back a wounded soldier to a place of safety where medical attention could be given.'

'Knowing that more men were lying wounded in the open he again went out to the bullet-swept slope, located a second wounded man and carried him to safety.'

'Private Anderson went forward once again and safely evacuated a third casualty.  Without any hesitation or consideration for himself he went out for a fourth time, but by now he was the only target the enemy had to shoot at, and when he reached the fourth wounded man and was administering such first-aid as he could to prepare for the return journey he was himself hit and mortally wounded.'

'Private Anderson, by his valour, complete disregard for his personal safety, and courage under fire, probably saved the lives of three of his comrades, and his example was an inspiration to all who witnessed his gallant acts.'

Private Anderson's wife, Irene, was a member of the St. John's Church until her death.