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Major A. H. S. Waters VC
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Major A. H. S. Waters VC
Sir Arnold Horace Santo Waters VC, CBE, DSO, MC (23 September 1886, Plymouth 22 January 1981, Sutton Coldfield), English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Waters was an acting major in the 218th Field Company, Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army during the First World War at the second battle of the Sambre when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC: On 4 November 1918 near Ors, France, Major Waters, with his Field Company, was bridging the Oise-Sambre Canal under artillery and machine-gun fire at close range, the bridge being damaged and the building party suffering severe casualties. All Major Waters officers had been killed or wounded and he at once went forward and personally supervised the completion of the bridge, working on cork floats while under such intense fire that it seemed impossible that he could survive. The success of the operation was entirely due to his valour and example
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This photograph captures the brave and determined face of Major A.H.S. Waters VC, an English hero of the First World War. Born on September 23, 1886, in Plymouth, Major Waters rose through the ranks of the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army, to become an acting major in the 218th Field Company. On November 4, 1918, near Ors, France, Major Waters and his Field Company were tasked with bridging the Oise-Sambre Canal under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. Tragically, all of his officers had been killed or wounded, leaving Major Waters to take charge. Despite the intense danger, Major Waters bravely went forward and personally supervised the completion of the bridge, working on cork floats in the face of relentless enemy fire. His valour and unwavering determination were instrumental in the success of the operation, which was crucial for the advancement of the Allied forces. Major Waters' exceptional courage and leadership earned him the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces – the Victoria Cross (VC). Tragically, Major Waters was killed in action on January 22, 1981, in Sutton Coldfield, but his legacy as a hero lives on. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary bravery and selflessness displayed by Major Waters during the First World War.
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