Birth - Jul. 29, 1886 Death - Sep. 27, 1918 British-Welsh WWI recipient of the Victoria Cross, the United Kingdom’s highest award for valor. Chief Petty Officer, Drake Bttn., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Royal Naval Division. Born in Paulton, Somerset, as a young man he moved to southern Wales to work as a coal miner, settling down in Landore and getting married in 1913. In 1915 he joined the RNVR. Although serving in a naval unit, his service was entirely on land, being wounded twice and earning a Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded posthumously) for action at Longeast Wood, France, August 21-22, 1918. Prowse won his V.C. for action at Pronville, September 2, 1918. From his citation: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, during an advance, a portion of his company became disorganised by heavy machine gun fire from an enemy strong point. Collecting what men were available he led them with great coolness and bravery against this strong point, capturing it together with twenty-three prisoners and five machine guns. Later, he took a patrol forward in face of much enemy opposition, and established it on important high ground. On another occasion he displayed great heroism by attacking single-handed an ammunition limber which was trying to recover ammunition, killing three men who accompanied it and capturing the limber. Two days later he rendered valuable services when covering the advance of his company with a Lewis gun section, and located later on two machine gun positions in a concrete emplacement, which were holding up the advance of the battalion on the right. With complete disregard of personal danger he rushed forward with a small party and attacked and captured these posts, killing six enemy and taking thirteen prisoners and two machine guns. He was the only survivor of the gallant party, but by this daring and heroic action he enabled the battalion on the right to push forward without further machine gun fire from the village. Throughout the whole operations his magnificent example and leadership were an inspiration to all, and his courage was superb." Prowse was killed in action near Arleux during the fighting for the Bapaume–Cambrai Road. His remains were not recovered. His wife received his V.C. from King George V in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on July 17, 1919. It was the last V.C. to be awarded with a blue ribbon to signify naval service. Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery Haucourt Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France Vis-en-Artois Memorial (No Known Grave)
