Carton de Wiart's Victoria Cross citation records his actions around La Boisselle. After three other battalion commanders became casualties, he coordinated their commands and drove the attack forward. He repeatedly exposed himself while organizing positions and supplies under intense fire, then ensured that captured ground was held. The action shows how temporary wartime rank could place a relatively junior permanent officer over several shattered formations. His later reputation was equally aggressive: subordinates expected to be sent toward hard fighting. They also expected him to share the danger, which helps explain the authority behind that demanding command style.
Notable Point · 3:00:02-3:03:45
How Carton de Wiart earned the Victoria Cross
At La Boisselle, a temporary lieutenant colonel took control after other battalion commanders became casualties and kept the attack and captured ground organized under fire.