Keith Elliott (1916 - 1989) was a New Zealander recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 26 years old, and a Sergeant in the 22nd Bn., 2nd, New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 15 July 1942 at Ruweisat , Western Desert, Egypt, Sergeant Elliott, while leading his platoon in an attack under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire, was wounded in the chest. Nevertheless, he carried on and led his men in a bayonet charge which resulted in the capture of four enemy machine-gun posts and an anti-tank gun. Seven of the enemy were killed and 50 taken prisoner. In spite of his wounds Sergeant Elliott refused to leave his platoon until he had reformed them and handed over the prisoners, the number of which had by then increased to 130.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum (Waiouru, New Zealand).

Reference

• Todd Skilton

See also

Right:Grave/memorial at Buried at Paraparaumu Cemetery, N. Island, New Zealand. Returned Serviceman's Lawn Section. Headstone.

Below Right: A remarkable photo of a group of 11 New Zealand VC Holders - Keith Elliott is in the front row, second from the left.

Back row: Left to Right: Col L.W. Andrew, Maj R.S. Judson , Pte J.D. Crichton , Lt H.J. Laurent , Lt C.R.G. Bassett Front row: Stg J.D. Hinton , Lt K. Elliott, Cpt C.H. Upham, Stg A.C. Hulme, Cpt S. Frickleton , Lt J.G. Grant

External links

• Elliott K.
• Sergeant Keith Elliott
• New Zealand Troops who have won the Victoria Cross (brief biography details)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.