The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded
for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed
forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire
territories.
The following is an excerpt from the plaque at the rest area,
and is based on the original citation,
Charles Anderson VC Lieutenant Colonel Charles Groves Wright
ANDERSON MC 2/19th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F. 18th to
22nd January 1942 in Malaya
"During operations in Malaya from 18th to 22nd January, 1942,
Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, in command of a small force, was sent
to restore a vital position and to assist a Brigade. His force
destroyed ten enemy tanks. When later cut off, he defeated
persistent attacks on his position from air and ground forces and
forced his way through the enemy line to a depth of fifteen miles.
He was again surrounded and subjected to very heavy, frequent
attacks, resulting in severe casualties to his force. He personally
led an attack with great gallantry on the enemy, who were holding a
bridge, and succeeded in destroying four guns. Lieutenant-Colonel
Anderson, throughout all this fighting, protected his wounded and
refused to leave them. He obtained news by wireless of the enemy
position and attempted to fight his way back through eight miles of
enemy occupied country. This proved to be impossible, and the enemy
were holding too strong a position for any attempt to be made to
relieve him. On 19th January, Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson was
ordered to destroy his equipment and make his way as best he could
around the enemy position.
Throughout the fighting, which lasted for four days, he set a
magnificent example of brave leadership, determination and
outstanding courage. He not only showed fighting qualities of very
high order but throughout exposed himself to danger without any
regard for his own personal safety". [London Gazette: Date
Withheld]
Charles Groves Wright ANDERSON was born in Cape Town, South
Africa on 12 February 1897. After his war service he served as
Federal member for Hume during the period 1949 to 1951 and 1955 to
1961. He died on 11 November 1988.
FTF honours go to
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