AN HISTORICAL research group is offering Worcester residents the opportunity to see the Belgian battlefield where a brave City man won the Victoria Cross in the First World War.
Fred Dancox, who was born in Barbourne and educated at the City’s St Stephen’s School, launched a single-handed attack on a German blockhouse at Poelcappelle, near Ypres, nearly a century ago in the autumn of 1917.
Risking almost certain death, he coolly walked into the fortification clutching a grenade, and not only captured the 40 German occupants, but also their machine gun as well.
This incredible act of valour, which saw him receive Britain’s most coveted award for bravery, took place during the battle for Passchendaele, one of the bloodiest campaigns of the First World War.
Thousands of men were killed and wounded as the British tried to push back the German lines around the village of Passchendaele.
Frederick worked as a hay trusser and lived with his wife and four children at 12 Court, Dolday, one of the poorest parts of Worcester at the time.
Before being sent to the Ypres Salient, he had served in Gallipoli and the Somme with the 4th Worcestershires.
Tragically, although his home street was decked out with flags and bunting ready for his homecoming, Frederick never returned to Worcester, being killed in action just before going on leave.
Battlefield Memorial Tours will be taking a party to visit the infamous battlefield where Frederick won his VC from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12.
The tour will also attend the annual Armistice service held at the Menin Gate, Ypres.
Call Brian Long on 01629 650780 or visit www.battlefieldmemorialtours.co.uk for more information.
