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209636
Sgt. Robert James Bye VC.
British Army Welsh Guards
from:Wales
Robert James Bye was born in Pontypridd. He was 27 years old, and a Sergeant in the 1st Btn., Welsh Guards, when the following deed took place on 31 July 1917 at the Yser Canal, Belgium during the Third Battle of Ypres for which he was awarded the VC. His citation reads:
"939 Sjt. Robert Bye, Welsh Guards (Penrhiwceiber, Glamorgan).
For most conspicuous bravery. Sjt. Bye displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy's position. Seeing that the leading waves were being troubled by two enemy blockhouses, he, on his own initiative, rushed at one of them and put the garrison out of action. He then rejoined his company and went forward to the assault of the second objective. When the troops had gone forward to the attack on the third objective, a party was detailed to clear up a line of blockhouses which had been passed. Sjt. Bye volunteered to take charge of this party, accomplished his object, and took many prisoners. He subsequently advanced to the third objective, capturing a number of prisoners, thus rendering invaluable assistance to the assaulting companies. He displayed throughout the most remarkable initiative."