Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Gordon Muriel Flowerdew
In memory of:
Lieutenant Gordon Muriel Flowerdew
March 31, 1918
Moreuil Wood, France
Military Service
2505
33
Army
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
An extract from the Second Supplement to the London Gazette, No. 30648, of April 24, 1918, records the following:
For most conspicuous bravery and dash when in command of a squadron detailed for special service of a very important nature. On reaching the first objective, Lt. Flowerdew saw two lines of the enemy, each about sixty strong, with machine guns in the centre and flanks, one line being about two hundred yards behind the other. Realising the critical nature of the operation and how much depended upon it, Lt. Flowerdew ordered a troop under Lt. Harvey, V.C. to dismount and carry out a special movement while he led the remaining three troops to the charge. The squadron (less one troop) passed over both lines, killing many of the enemy with the sword; and wheeling about galloped at them again. Although the squadron had then lost about 70 per cent of its numbers, killed and wounded, from rifle and machine gun fire directed on it from the front and both flanks, the enemy broke and retired. The survivors of the squadron then established themselves in a position where they were joined, after much hand-to-hand fighting, by Lt. Harvey's party. Lt. Flowerdew was dangerously wounded through both thighs during the operation, but continued to cheer on his men. There can be no doubt that this officer's great valour was the prime factor in the capture of the position.
Victoria Cross
Additional Information
January 2, 1885
Billingford, Norfolk, England
September 25, 1914
Valcartier, Quebec
Son of Arthur J. B. and Hannah Flowerdew, of Billingford Hall, Scole, Norfolk, England.
Commemorated on Page 408 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.
Gordon Muriel Flowerdew is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Complete list of Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients
Burial Information
NAMPS-AU-VAL BRITISH CEMETERY
Somme, France
I. H. 1.
Namps-au-Val is a village in the Department of the Somme approximately 16 kilometres south-west of Amiens. It has a railway station (Namps-Quevauvillers) on the main line from Amiens to Rouen. The NAMPS-AU-VAL BRITISH CEMETERY is between the village and the station.
Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial
To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.
- Date modified: