Major John Sherwood-Kelly

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Date published: 25/11/1918
Killed in action: No
Information: Maj. (A./Lt. Col.) John Sherwood-Kelly, C.M.G., D.S.O., Norf. R. commanding a battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery and fearless leading when a party of men of another unit detailed to cover the passage of the canal by his battalion were held up on the near side of the canal by heavy rifle fire directed on the bridge. He at once ordered covering fire, personally led the leading company of his battalion across the canal, and, after crossing, reconnoitred under heavy machine gun fire the high ground held by the enemy. The left flank of his battalion advancing to the assault of this objective was held up by a thick belt of wire, whereupon he crossed to that flank, and with a Lewis gun team, forced his way under heavy fire through obstacles, got the gun into position on the far side, and covered the advance of his battalion through the wire, thereby enabling them to capture the position. Later, he personally led a charge against some pits from which a heavy fire was being directed on his men, captured the pits, together with five machine guns and forty-six prisoners, and killed a large number of the enemy. The great gallantry displayed by this officer throughout the day inspired the greatest confidence in his men.