Fact File

The Victoria Cross was first awarded on the 26 June 1857, when sixty-two veterans of the Crimean War were presented their medals in the presence of Queen Victoria in Hyde Park.

Major Yate VC

The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Charles Allix Lavington Yate was 42 years old, and a major in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 26 August 1914 at Le Cateau, France, Major Yate commanded one of the two companies that remained to the end in the trenches, and when all other officers had been killed or wounded and ammunition exhausted, he led his 19 survivors against the enemy in a charge in which he himself was severely wounded. He was picked up by the enemy and subsequently died as a prisoner of war.

He was born on the 14th March 1872 and resided at Madeley Hall for many years.

Written by Colin Ayling