Lives of the First World War

Captain Gordon Muriel Flowerdew on his horse before the battle in 1918 where he was shot and later died of his wounds.

Photo probably taken on his first Commisioned as a temp. Lieutenant in Lord Strathcona's Horse. Canadian Cavalry.

Gordon's mother, Hannah Flowerdew nee Symonds in the Inner Courtyard of Buckingham Palace after the presentation of Gordon's VC by the King. L-R: Florence Hannah Hudson nee Flowerdew (Gordon's sister), Eric Symonds Flowerdew (Gordon's brother), Hannah Flowerdew nee Symonds (Gordon's mother) and Eleanor Mary Flowerdew (Gordon's sister).

British Cemetary Namps-au-Val Somme France. Grave I. H. 1. - CAPTAIN G.M. FLOWERDEW V.C. LORD STRATHCONA'S HORSE 31ST MARCH 1918 AGE 32 - (He was actually 33 years old on his death - The rank Captain probably refers to his acting rank on his death)

30 Mar 1918 - Moreuil Wood, Amiens, France During the First World War, Lord Beaverbrook arranged for the English painter Alfred Munnings, (later Sir Alfred Munnings), to be attached to the Canadian Expeditionary Force to record Canadians in action in France. Munnings completed many oil paintings of Canadian soldiers, including this one, entitled Charge of Flowerdew’s Squadron. The painting by Alfred Munnings depicting the charge by Lt (acting Captain) Gordon Flowerdew and his Cavalry Company against the advancing German Regiments at Monreuil that resuted in his death the following day from his injuries and the award of the Victoria Cross for his gallentry. A copy of this painting was presented to Framlingham College on 1 July 1991 by Lt Col Coupland of the Canadian High Commission. The original hangs in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. A nephew of Gordon Flowerdew, Group Captain L.L. Flowerdew, represented the family.

Flowerdew's Squadron circled the Wood clockwise and attacked on the Eastern side.This was the side most heavily armoured by the Germans, as they were expecting tanks to attack from the road on this side.

The Crown represents service to the Sovereign. The shield, beaver and maple tree were the coat of arms and crest of the first Lord Strathcona and were taken from symbols used by the North West Company.The wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks and maple leaves represents Canada's ethnic link with Great Britain. "LORD STRATHCONA'S HORSE ROYAL CANADIANS" is a form of the regimental title and "PERSEVERANCE" is the motto of the regiment. - MOTTO: - PERSEVERANCE - MARCH - Soldiers of the Queen

Reported in the Canadian Record Newspaper Thursday July 4th 1918, showing a photo of his mother and brother after presentation of his VC by the King. (see full photo in this collection)

Lieut. Gordon.M. Flowerdew V.C.- The CWGC headstone (see seperate photo) shows his rank as Captain, which was his acting rank on death.

31 Mar 1918 • No 41 Casualty Clearing Station, Amiens, Somme, France (about 5 miles West) Killed in Action WW1 - "Died of Wounds" (Gunshot wound to the thigh*) Other reports state he received gunshot wounds to his chest & both thighs. His last recorded words to Harvey who found him the previous day were ‘Carry on – we’ve won'.

In uniform of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Unveiled at St. Leonard's Church, Billingford, Norfolk (Gordon's birthplace)

Service sheet used at the unveiling of Lt/Acting Captain G M Flowerdew VC Commemorative 'pavement' stone. Billingford, Norfolk

Service sheet used at the unveiling of Lt/Acting Captain G M Flowerdew VC Commemorative 'pavement' stone. Billingford, Norfolk