World War 1, Europe, POPE, 11 Battalion, 1917

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a very important picquet post in the sectorr held by his battalion, his orders being to hold this post at all costs. After the picquet post had been heavily attacked, the enemy, in greatly superior numbers, surrounded the post. Lieutenant Pope, finding that he was running short of ammunition, sent back for further supplies. But the situation culminated before it could arrive, and in the hope of saving the postion, this very gallant officer was seen to charge with his picquet into a superior force, by which it was overpowered. By his sacrifice Lieutenant Pope not only inflicted heavy loss on the enemy, but obeyed his order to hold the position to the last. His body, together with those of most of his men, was found in close proximity to eight enemy dead - a sure proof of the gallant resistance which had been made.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917