Soldier. Born Neville Bowes Elliott-Cooper. He was a temporary lieutenant colonel, commanding the 8th Battalion the Royal Fusiliers, during the Battle of Cambrai. When he heard that the enemy had broken through his line, he led his men (despite being unarmed) straight towards the advancing troops, and forced them back six hundred yards. Realising they were greatly outnumbered, he signalled to his men to withdraw, but his actions gained time for reserves to move up and occupy the line of defence. He himself was captured and imprisoned in Hanover where he died of his severe wounds. For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
