Basic Details
Surname
Flowerdew
Forenames
Gordon M
Gender
Male
Information stated on memorial
Served or died
Died
Honours
VC
Notes
An extract from the Second Supplement to the London Gazette, No. 30648, of 24th April, 1918, records the following: "For most conspicuous bravery and dash when in command of a squadron detailed for special service of a very important nature. On reaching the first objective, Lt. Flowerdew saw two lines of the enemy, each about sixty strong, with machine guns in the centre and flanks, one line being about two hundred yards behind the other. Realising the critical nature of the operation and how much depended upon it, Lt. Flowerdew ordered a troop under Lt. Harvey, V.C. to dismount and carry out a special movement while he led the remaining three troops to the charge. The squadron (less one troop) passed over both lines, killing many of the enemy with the sword; and wheeling about galloped at them again. Although the squadron had then lost about 70 per cent of its numbers, killed and wounded, from rifle and machine gun fire directed on it from the front and both flanks, the enemy broke and retired. The survivors of the squadron then established themselves in a position where they were joined, after much hand-to-hand fighting, by Lt. Harvey's party. Lt. Flowerdew was dangerously wounded through both thighs during the operation, but continued to cheer on his men. There can be no doubt that this officer's great valour was the prime factor in the capture of the position."
Primary Service
As stated on memorial
Service (Primary - Stated)
Commonwealth
Unit (Primary - Stated)
Canadian Forces
Sub-unit (Primary - Stated)
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Rank / Title (Primary - Stated)
LIEUTENANT
Our References
Service (Primary - Our reference)
Rank / Title (Primary - Our reference)
Death and Burial details
Country of burial
France
Town of burial
Namps-au-val I. H. 1.
Cemetery
Namps-au-val British Cemetery
Year of death
1918
Month of death
March
Day of death
31
Age at death
32
Manner of death as stated
Unknown
Personal Details
Relationships
Son of Arthur J. B. and Hannah Flowerdew, of Billingford Hall, Scole, Norfolk.