On This Day ... in 1917 & Others
Sergeant Ormsby of The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry acted as company sergeant-major during an attack on German positions. He played a major part in the clearance of a village, then pushed on to deal with several snipers. When the last officer in the company fell wounded, Ormsby took command and continued the advance, taking a position and organising a successful defence. He received the Victoria Cross.
His citation reads
On 14th April, 1917 at Fayet, France, during operations which culminated in the capture of an important position. Acting as Company Sergeant-Major, he showed throughout the attack absolute indifference to the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and set a fine example. After clearing the village he pushed on and drove out many snipers from localities further forward. When the only surviving officer was wounded he took command of the company and led them forward, under heavy fire, for 400 yards to a new position. He organized his new position with great skill, and held his line with determination until relieved of his command. His conduct throughout was admirable, and inspired confidence in every man under his command.
1918: German troops broke through a British position and succeeded in establishing a pair of machine-guns on a hill. Second Lieutenant Crowe of the Worcestershire Regiment led nine men in a counter-attack. After repeated efforts, he and two others finally took the position, and captured both machine-guns. Crowe received the Victoria Cross.
1942: Bomber Command dispatched 208 aircraft against Dortmund, but bombing accuracy proved very low, with only five buildings destroyed in the city. Nine RAF aircraft failed to return.