World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England he served as Battery Sergeant Major of L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army. In actions at Néry, France, September 1, 1914, during the retreat the German 4th Cavalry Division attacked the British 1st Cavalry Brigade. L Battery seeing the retreat, began to comence fire when most of his men and other officers were killed or knocked unconscious by a incoming shell. Sergeant Major Dorrell with an officer and another Sergeant, immediately brought three of the Battery's six guns into action against twelve German guns on high ground five hundred yards away. Two British guns were hit but the third continued to fire and when the officer was killed, Sergeant Major Dorrell then took over command with the support of the Sergeant and continued to fire one of the guns until all the ammunition was expended destroying three German guns. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on November 16, 1914 and later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in World War II. He died at age 90 in Surry, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England he served as Battery Sergeant Major of L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army. In actions at Néry, France, September 1, 1914, during the retreat the German 4th Cavalry Division attacked the British 1st Cavalry Brigade. L Battery seeing the retreat, began to comence fire when most of his men and other officers were killed or knocked unconscious by a incoming shell. Sergeant Major Dorrell with an officer and another Sergeant, immediately brought three of the Battery's six guns into action against twelve German guns on high ground five hundred yards away. Two British guns were hit but the third continued to fire and when the officer was killed, Sergeant Major Dorrell then took over command with the support of the Sergeant and continued to fire one of the guns until all the ammunition was expended destroying three German guns. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on November 16, 1914 and later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in World War II. He died at age 90 in Surry, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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