World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in York, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. In actions at Wieltje, Belgium, on July 31, 1917, Lieutenant Colonel Best-Dunkley when in command of his battalion, saw the leading waves during an attack, became disorganized by rifle and machine gun fire at close range from positions which were believed to be in their hands. He dashed forward, rallied his leading waves and personally led them to the assault of the German positions. Despite heavy losses, he continued to lead his battalion until all their objectives had been gained. Later in the day, when our position was threatened, he collected his battalion headquarters, led them to the attack and beat off the advancing enemy, despite being wounded. He later died of wounds in another conflict at age 27 in Ypres, Belgium. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1917.
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers, Commanding 2nd/5th Bn.
Honors: V C
Native of York.
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers, Commanding 2nd/5th Bn.
Honors: V C
Native of York.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in York, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. In actions at Wieltje, Belgium, on July 31, 1917, Lieutenant Colonel Best-Dunkley when in command of his battalion, saw the leading waves during an attack, became disorganized by rifle and machine gun fire at close range from positions which were believed to be in their hands. He dashed forward, rallied his leading waves and personally led them to the assault of the German positions. Despite heavy losses, he continued to lead his battalion until all their objectives had been gained. Later in the day, when our position was threatened, he collected his battalion headquarters, led them to the attack and beat off the advancing enemy, despite being wounded. He later died of wounds in another conflict at age 27 in Ypres, Belgium. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1917.
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers, Commanding 2nd/5th Bn.
Honors: V C
Native of York.
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers, Commanding 2nd/5th Bn.
Honors: V C
Native of York.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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