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Lt Col. Christopher Bushell VC, DSO
British Army 7th Btn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
from:Boughton Aluph, Kent
(d.8th August 1918)
Christopher Bushell was killed in action 8th August 1918, aged 30 and buried in the Querrieu British Cemetery in France. He was the younger son of the late Reginald Bushell, of Hinderton Lodge, Neston, Cheshire, and of Mrs. Caroline Bushell, of Hillside, St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, Dover; husband of Rachel Bushell, of Boughton Aluph, Kent, late of Wye Vicarage, Kent
An extract from The London Gazette No. 30667, dated 30th April 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion. Lt. Col. Bushell personally led C Company of his battalion, who were co-operating with an Allied regiment in a counter-attack, in face of very heavy machine gun fire. In the course of this attack he was severely wounded in the head, but he continued to carry on, walking about in front of both English and Allied troops encouraging and re-organising them. He refused even to have his wound attended to until he had placed the whole line in a sound position, and formed a defensive flank to meet a turning movement by the enemy. He then went to brigade headquarters and reported the situation, had his wound dressed, and returned to the firing line, which had come back a short distance. He visited every portion of the line, both English and Allied, in the face of terrific machine-gun and rifle fire, exhorting the troops to remain where they were, and to kill the enemy. In spite of his wounds this gallant officer refused to go to the rear, and had eventually to be removed to the dressing station in a fainting condition. To the magnificent example of energy, devotion and courage shown by their Commanding officer is attributed the fine spirit displayed and the keen fight put up by his battalion not only on the day in question but on each succeeding day of the withdrawal."
