Sergeant WILLIAM GREGG's VICTORIA CROSS (left) William Gregg is presented with the Victoria Cross by HRH King George V. "For the most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leadership in action". The ceremony took place at Frohan-le-Grand , France on 9th August 1918. The award was announced in the London Gazette on the 28th June 1918

On May the 8th. 1918, a large scale attack was launched in the vicinity of Bucquoy. One of the objectives was to advance the outpost line to obtain a better observation of the valley in which the enemy was entrenched. Two companies of Sgt. Gregg's 13^th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade were detailed for the assault. Their orders were to attack the enemies outpost position. The attack was to be without the benefit of any preparatory artillery engagement. They were to "go over the top" at 2 p.m. Sergeant Gregg was part of the right company, and this company soon obtained their objective despite being under heavy fire . After a short while they were surrounded by a large enemy force and were forced to retire. In this action alone, the storming party had lost 60% of their number.

Soon after this engagement, they were fighting the enemy in a cemetery and as 2nd. Lieut. G.D. Frazer was wounded, Bill Gregg took command of the attack.

Sergeant Gregg led his men in a furious struggle with the enemy who were utilising the cover afforded by tombstones etc. Bill Gregg's party obtained their immediate objective.

Then the enemy made a determined counter attack, working around the British flanks and gradually forcing them back.

Sergeant Gregg then rushed an enemy post and personally killed an entire machine gun crew and captured the gun, he also captured four men in a nearby dug out.

He then rushed another post, killed two men and captured a third.

Despite heavy casualties, Bill Gregg and his men reached their objective and began to consolidate the position.

"By this prompt and effective action this gallant N.C.O. saved the situation at a critical time and assured the success of the attack"

"Later Sergeant Gregg's party was driven back by an enemy counter attack, but reinforcements came up and he led a charge, personally bombing a hostile machine gun post, killing the crew and capturing the gun.

Once again he was driven back. He led another successful attack and held on to the position until ordered by his company commander to withdraw"

"Although under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire for several hours, Sergeant Gregg displayed the greatest coolness and contempt of danger, walking about and encouraging his men and setting a magnificent example."

For this action Sergeant Gregg and RIFLEMAN W. BEESLEY were awarded the Victoria Cross.

The 13^th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade lost a total of forty nine brave men in that action. I hope that we will never forget their sacrifice.

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After World War One, Bill Gregg returned to his home town of Heanor and his beloved family and friends. He took up his old job of a collier (miner) until the ugly clouds of war once again began to threatened his country.

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