Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 1917, Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Edward Elers Delaval Henderson V.C., the North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's), attached to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, commanding the 9th Battalion, was killed in action on the west bank of the River Hai, near Kut in Mesopotamia.

Educated at Dunstable Grammar School, he was commissioned into the West India Regiment at the end of 1900 and seconded for service with the Northern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force.

His actions on the day of his death earned him the Victoria Cross. From the citation: “For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example when in command of his battalion. Lt.-Col. Henderson brought his battalion up to our two front-line trenches, which were under intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when the enemy made a heavy counter-attack, and succeeded in penetrating our line in several places, the situation becoming critical. Although shot through the arm, Lt.-Col. Henderson jumped onto the parapet and advanced alone some distance in front of his battalion, cheering them on under the most intense fire over 500 yards of open ground. Again wounded, he nevertheless continued to lead his men on in the most gallant, manner, finally capturing the position by a bayonet charge. He was again twice wounded, and died when he was eventually brought in.” He is buried in the Amara War Cemetery. Al-Amarah, Maysan, in Iraq.

Edward, born in Simla in India, was 38 years old and married.