WRIGHT, Wallace Duffield (1875-1953) Nigeria, 26 February 1903 Plot 9

The Victoria Cross was lost in the fire at Clandon House

CAMPAIGNS: Malakand Frontier War Tirah Campaign, Kano-Sokoto Expedition First World War.

Awards: Victoria Cross, Companion of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Distinguished Service Order, Second World War Mentioned in Despatches, Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)Wallace, the son of James Sykes was born in Gibraltar on 29th September 1875. He was educated at Cranbrook School, Kent.  He joined the Militia in 1893 and on 9th December 1896 age 21 he was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the Queens Royal Regiment.

From 1897 to 1898 he served with the Malakand Field Force and Tirah Expeditionary Force and won a promotion to Lieutenant.

On 22nd January 1903 he was promoted to Captain, and in the same year was awarded the VC for an act of bravery which happened on the 24th March 1903. with the Kano Sokoto Expedition Northern Nigeria.

On 24th March 1903. Lieutenant Wright with only one Officer and forty-four men took up position in the path of the advancing enemy, and sustained the determined charges of 1.000 hone and 2.000 foot for two hours and when the enemy, after heavy losses fell back in good order Lieutenant Wright continued to follow them till they were in full retreat. The personal example of this Officer as well as his skilful leadership, contributed largely to the brilliant success of the affair. He in no way infringed his order by his daring initiative, although warned of the possibility of meeting large bodies of the enemy.