Soldier. Charles Ernest Garforth was born in Willesden Green. He was a corporal in the 15th (The King's) Hussars. On 23rd August 1914 at Harmingnies, France, he cut wire while under fire, enabling his squadron to escape. On the 2nd September, he extricated and carried to safety, a sergeant who was lying under his dead horse. The next day, when another sergeant had lost his horse, he drew off the enemy fire and enabled the sergeant to get away. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Kilburn Times have a photograph of Garforth in later life.
Our colleague, Andrew Behan, adds that he was the third of the ten children of John Edwin Garforth (1864-1928) and Hannah Garforth née Dyer (1867-1904). A résumé of his life can be found in the book entitled 'Victoria Crosses on the Western Front August 1914-April 1915: Mons to Hill 60'.
He died, aged 81 years, on 1 July 1973 from natural causes at 5 Lock Close, Ryland, Beeston, Nottinghamshire and his ashes were scattered at the Southern Cemetery and Crematorium, Loughborough Rd, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7FE.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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