Who was General Walter Norris Congreve VC ?

In a letter to his wife, written on Christmas Day, General Walter Congreve VC explained the extraordinary circumstances around the Christmas Truce of 1914.

Congreve’s parents William and Fanny E were from Castle Church in Stafford. He was born on 20 November 1862 in Chatham, Kent and died on 28 February 1927 in Malta.

At the start of the First World War Congreve was commanding 18 Infantry Brigade. He proceeded with his Brigade to France and on 18 February 1915 was promoted to command 6th Division. In November 1915 he assumed command of 13 Corps. It was while he was in command of the Corps in June 1917 that he lost his left hand.

Congreve was an 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. He was 37 years old, and a captain in The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own), British Army during the Second Boer War when he won the Victoria Cross. Sir Walter and his son, Billy, provide the only instance of a father and son in the same Regiment being awarded Victoria Crosses.