World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a lieutenant and commander of the Carrier Platoon in the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards of the British Army on May 24, 1940 near Arras, France. Born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England, his family was involved in the shipbuilding industry. He received his education at Eton College in Eton, Berkshire, England. After World War II erupted in September 1939, he joined the British Army and became a lieutenant in the Welsh Guards. He was sent to France with his unit and during the Allied retreat at Dunkirk in May 1940, he was killed in combat near Arras at the age of 28 while his unit was protecting the rear of the British and French forces and his remains were never recovered. His Victoria Cross Citation reads: "Lt. Furness was in command of the Carrier Platoon, Welsh Guards, from May 17th-24th, 1940, at Arras. His extremely high degree of leadership and dash imbued his command with a magnificent offensive spirit during their constant patrols and many local actions throughout this period. On May 22nd, 1940, he was wounded, but refused to be evacuated. The enemy had encircled the town on three sides, and Lt. Furness's platoon, together with a small force of light tanks, were ordered to cover the withdrawal of over 40 transport vehicles to Douai. Heavy small arms and anti-tank gun fire blocked the column. Lt. Furness, realising the seriousness of the situation, with three carriers and the light tanks attacked at close quarters the strongly entrenched enemy, inflicting heavy losses. His carriers were hit, most of their crews killed or wounded, and the tanks were put out of action. When his own carrier was disabled and the driver and gunner killed, Lt. Furness, despite his wounds, engaged the enemy in hand to hand combat until he was killed. His magnificent act of self-sacrifice against hopeless odds made the enemy withdraw long enough to allow the large transport column to get clear unmolested, and to permit the evacuation of some of the wounded of his own platoon and of the light tanks." His Victoria Cross is on display at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Welsh Guards RHQ) at Wellington Barracks, London, England.