Mr Midshipman VC: The Short Accident-Prone Life of George Drewry, Gallipoli Hero

摘要

On 25 April 1915 British troops landed at Cape Helles on the south west tip of the Gallipoli peninsula, many from SS River Clyde, a collier modified to allow them to disembark through sally ports cut in the hull. Despite a heavy bombardment the defences had not been neutralised and as the attackers approached the shore, withering fire inflicted heavy casualties. In the confusion, River Clyde grounded out of position and it was left to a couple of young officers to manhandle several lighters and tie up the collier to allow the troops to disembark. Midshipman George Drewry, just 20, was one of those brave young men who under vicious fire displayed such courage and determination and, despite being injured in the head, becoming the first RNR officer to earn the nation's premier award for valour, and it is this action that forms the main part of the book. However, we also get a glimpse of his childhood, along with his experiences later in the war until his accidental death at Scapa Flow, prematurely ending a short but action-packed life.