By Victoria Cross Trust restores former Doncaster officer’s grave
The Victoria Cross Trust has reportedly restored a former South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officer’s grave to honour his memory and achievements.
Lance Corporal George Wyatt worked as a police constable in Doncaster from 1924 to 1932 but worked in Barnsley prior to the war.
He was one of the first 10 men to receive a Victoria Cross for bravery on the first day of the First World War.
The award is the highest and most prestigious of the British Honours System, rewarded to brave soldiers in the British Armed Forces.
The London Gazette wrote about his achievement, stating: “In Landrecies, France 25/26 August 1914, he was 27 years old and serving in the 3rd Bn, Coldstream Guards when his unit was hotly engaged close to some farm buildings, the enemy fire setting light to some straw sacks in the farmyard.
“Wyatt twice dashed out under very heavy fire from the enemy, who [was] only 25 yards away, and extinguished the fire, making it possible to hold on to the position.
“Later, although wounded in the head, he continued firing until he could no longer see owing to the blood pouring down his face.
“The medical officer bound up his wound and ordered him to the rear, but he refused to go and returned to the firing line and went on fighting.”
George went on to win another award working for Doncaster police after saving a woman from a bolting horse.
He passed away on Wednesday 22 January 1964 after dedicating his life to protecting South Yorkshire back in 1914.
He was buried at the churchyard in Cadeby, Doncaster.
Doncaster police officers attended the Victoria Cross restoration on Thursday 11 November.
Doncaster District Commander, Chief Supt Melanie Palin, told SYP: “It is with pride that we as a police service recognise the contribution of George Wyatt in his role as a police officer and to his efforts during the First World War.
“We welcome the restoration of his grave in acknowledgement of his bravery and his receipt of the Victoria Cross.
“His service to his country and to our communities is rightly remembered.”
(Photos: South Yorkshire Police)
