Twenty-three members of The Regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross. They are representative of all ranks and battalions, from Private soldier to Lieutenant Colonel – Regular, Territorial and Wartime.

FORSHAW, WILLIAM THOMAS
 

Lieutenant. 1st/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment.
 

London Gazetted on 9th September 1915.
 

Born on 20th April 1890 at Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire.
 

Died on 26th May 1943 at Holyport, Berkshire.
 

Memorial on grave at Touchen End Cemetery, Bray, Berkshire.

 

Digest of Citation reads:

During the period 7th/9th August 1915 in Gallipoli, when holding the north-west corner of ''The Vineyard '' against heavy attacks by the Turks, Lieutenant Forshaw not only directed his men but personally threw bombs continuously for over 40 hours. When his detachment was relieved, he volunteered to continue directing the defence. Later, when the Turks captured a portion of the trench, he shot three of them and recaptured it. It was due to his fine example and magnificent courage that this very important position was held