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Reverend Edward Noel Mellish V. C. M. C
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Reverend Edward Noel Mellish V. C. M. C
The Reverend Edward Noel Mellish (1880-1962), Army chaplain during the First World War attached to the 4th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. Was the first member of the Army chaplaincy to be awarded the Victoria Cross. On three consecutive days, the 27 to 29 March 1916, during the heavy fighting at St. Eloi, Belgium, he went to-and fro continuously between the original trenches and the captured enemy trenches, attending to and rescuing wounded men. The first day, from an area swept by machine-gun fire, he rescued 10 severely wounded men. Although his battalion was relieved on the second day, he returned and rescued 12 more of the wounded. Taking charge of a group of volunteers, on the third day, he again returned to the trenches in order to rescue the remaining wounded. This excellent work was done voluntarily and was far outside the sphere of his normal duties. Pictured here at St. Pauls Church in Deptford, South East London where he was curate where he had just conducted a special childrens service. The Illustrated War News reports he was over six feet tall and very popular, especially with children to whom he is notably gentle. Date: 1916
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures Reverend Edward Noel Mellish, V.C., M.C., a courageous Army chaplain during the First World War, at St. Paul's Church in Deptford, South East London. Reverend Mellish, born in 1880, was the first member of the Army chaplaincy to be awarded the Victoria Cross. During the heavy fighting at St. Eloi, Belgium, from March 27 to 29, 1916, he displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness. On each of these three consecutive days, Reverend Mellish tirelessly moved between the original trenches and the captured enemy trenches, attending to and rescuing wounded soldiers. On the first day, he braved machine-gun fire to save ten severely wounded men. Despite being relieved on the second day, he returned to rescue twelve more wounded soldiers. On the third day, he took charge of a group of volunteers and once again risked his life to save the remaining wounded. His actions were entirely voluntary and went beyond the scope of his normal duties. Standing over six feet tall, Reverend Mellish was a popular figure, particularly among children, who admired his gentle demeanor. In this image, he is seen conducting a special children's service at St. Paul's Church. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the courage and compassion displayed by Reverend Mellish during the First World War.
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