Adam Wakenshaw

Adam Herbert Wakenshaw VC was an English 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

Wakenshaw was 28 years old, and a private in the 9th Battalion, Durham [Light Infantry|The Durham Light Infantry], British Army during the Second World War, and was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions on 27 June 1942 in Mersa Matruh, Egypt, where he was killed in combat.

The Medal

His Victoria Cross medal is displayed at the Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery, Durham City, England. His widow and son received the medal from King George VI at Buckingham Palace on 4 March 1943

The 2-pounder gun

The Ordnance QF 2-pounder that Wakenshaw has been firing had initially been placed atop his grave. It was later relocated to Brancepeth Castle and is now in the Durham Light Infantry collection. In 2024 it went on display at The Story museum in Durham.