Merville Communal Cemetery, France Nord
The Guernsey Star 13th December
1915
THE LATE PRIVATE W. TONGS DCM
For conspicuous gallantry at Neuve Chapelle
on March 10, 1915 when he brought his machine gun into
position under a heavy fire and silenced a German gun
which had been doing much damage. On March 12, 1915
he rescued wounded men of the Royal Irish Rifles under
heavy fire.
Behind this terse announcement lies two
wonderful stories of luck and determination, which is
more vividly told in a letter received by the father
of this Guernsey Hero from Major G.C. Campbell (Commanding
2nd Batt. Scottish Rifles). This communication in so
much as it relates to the subject under notice runs
as follows:-
"There was no more gallant officer
or man in the battalion than your son; he earned his
D.C.M. on 10th March for conspicuous bravery both in
the handling of a machine gun, and for going out under
very heavy fire from the enemy and helping in seven
wounded men. He died from wounds received in action
on the 9th May. On this occasion his gallantry was equally
conspicuous in the manner he worked his machine gun.
He was on this occasion wounded several times, and died
on the 13th May. He served his country nobly and died
a hero’s death."
It will be noticed that no award was made
for the third plucky incident in the career of this
noble Guernseyman. The V.C. has often been granted for
such deeds.
The splendid tribute of the Commanding
Officer is born out in several letters from other members
of the British Expeditionary Force to Mr. W. Tongs,
Senior. Nursing Sister H.G. Palmer in a pathetic letter
describing his hospital life and death says:-
"A friend of his called and told
me that he was one of the best and could be very badly
spared. I am sure you should feel proud of having had
such a son."
His injuries, received at Fromelles, were
severe, both arms being broken, and he received a grave
injury to the chest and several other minor wounds.
He lies buried at Merville Cemetery. Grave No. H. 11.
The late Pte. Tongs was born at Guernsey
on 23rd April, 1888, and was a son of Mr W. Tongs, Basket-maker,
of the Bordage.
Commemorated on:
Island (Bailiwick) Memorial, St Peter Port, Guernsey
Commonwealth
War Graves Commission Record
