Cemetery: Pozieres Memorial
Country: France
Area: Somme
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Force: Army
Official Number:
Unit: 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles.
Country of Service: British
Details: V C 21st March 1918. Age 34. Son of the late Arthur Hughes De Wind C.E. and Margaret Jane De Wind of "Kinvara" Comber Co. Down. Panel 74 to 76. An extract from "The London Gazette dated 13th May, 1919, records the following:- For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 21st March 1918 at the Race Course Redoubt near Grugies. For seven hours he held this most important post and though twice wounded and practically single-handed he maintained his position until another section could be got to his help. On two occasions with two N.C.O.'s only he got out on top under heavy machine gun and rifle fire and cleared the enemy out of the trench killing many. He continued to repel attack after attack until he was mortally wounded and collapsed. His valour self-sacrifice and example were of the highest order."
Photograph by Martin Harvey