SERJEANT HARRY WELLS VC
ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT
25TH SEPTEMBER 1915 AGE 27
BURIED: DUD CORNER CEMETERY, LOOS, FRANCE
"When his Platoon Officer had been killed he took command and led his men forward to within fifteen yards of the German wire. Nearly half the Platoon were killed or wounded, and the remainder were much shaken, but with the utmost coolness and bravery, Serjeant Wells rallied them and led them forward. Finally, when very few were left, he stood up and urged them forward once more, but while doing this he was killed. He gave a magnificent example of courage and determination."
VC Citation, London Gazette, 16 November 1915
Harry Wells was the son of an agricultural labourer. In 1904, two years after leaving school, he joined the army. He was 16. He retired in 1911 and went to work as a barman at the Beaver Inn in Ashford, Kent. When war broke out he rejoined the army and was rapidly promoted to serjeant. He was killed in the attack on Le Routoire Farm during the battle of Loos.