Museum displays WW1 sergeant's Victoria Cross

A Victoria Cross won for "most conspicuous bravery" during World War One has gone on display to the public.

Sgt Harry Wells was posthumously honoured after "a magnificent display of courage and determination" before being killed during fighting in northern France.

The 27-year-old former police officer led his men towards enemy lines before being killed in the final advance during the Battle of Loos in September 1915.

His medal will be exhibited at Kent Police Museum in Faversham until November.

According to Wells' citation for the medal, which is held in the National Archive, the Royal Sussex Regiment soldier "took command and led his men forward" after his platoon officer was killed.

The group got "within 15 yards of the German wire".

"Nearly half the platoon were killed or wounded and the remainder much shaken, but with the utmost coolness and bravery Sgt Wells rallied them and led them forward," according to the citation.

He was killed when, with very few men left, he "stood up and urged them forward once more".

Sgt Wells had joined Kent Police in 1911, working in Ashford, after previous Army service in India, before re-joining the military when WW1 broke out, according to Kent Police.

The force said the medal had been presented to the soldier's mother by George V in 1916.

Chief Constable Tim Smith said: "Sgt Wells displayed true courage in the face of unimaginable adversity and his leadership and selflessness meant others survived and were able to tell his story.

"Being able to display his Victoria Cross is an honour itself."

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