Canadian World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He was gazetted for the award on May 15, 1919, for his actions as a lieutenant with the 7th Battalion, 1st Canadian Expeditionary Force, on April 24, 1915, at the Second Battle of Ypres, near Keerselaere, Belgium. Born in India, he moved to England to pursue his education, and joined the Royal Irish Regiment in 1901. In 1903 he emigrated to British Columbia, Canada and worked as a construction engineer. Following the outbreak of World War I in July 1914, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was sent to the Western Front in France. After his heroism at the Second Battle of Ypres, he was taken prisoner by the Germans and held captive for the remainder of the war. He was released in 1919 at the rank of captain and returned to British Columbia, Canada and became a dredging inspector. He died at the age of 78. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Keerselaere on 24th April, 1915, during the German attack on the Ypres salient. Capt. (then Lieut.) Bellew, as Battalion Machine Gun Officer, had two guns in action on the high ground overlooking Keerselaere. The enemy's attack broke in full force on the morning of the 24th against the front and right flank of the Battalion – the latter being exposed owing to a gap in the line. The right Company was soon put out of action, but the advance was temporarily stayed by Capt. Bellew, who had sited his guns on the left of the right Company. Reinforcements were sent forward but they in turn were surrounded and destroyed. With the enemy in strength less than 100 yards from him, with no further assistance in sight, and with his rear threatened, Capt. Bellew and Serjt. Peerless, each operating a gun, decided to stay where they were and fight it out. Serjt. Peerless was killed and Capt. Bellew was wounded and fell. Nevertheless, he got up and maintained his fire till ammunition failed and the enemy rushed the position. Capt. Bellew then seized a rifle, smashed his machine gun, and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner."
Canadian World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He was gazetted for the award on May 15, 1919, for his actions as a lieutenant with the 7th Battalion, 1st Canadian Expeditionary Force, on April 24, 1915, at the Second Battle of Ypres, near Keerselaere, Belgium. Born in India, he moved to England to pursue his education, and joined the Royal Irish Regiment in 1901. In 1903 he emigrated to British Columbia, Canada and worked as a construction engineer. Following the outbreak of World War I in July 1914, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was sent to the Western Front in France. After his heroism at the Second Battle of Ypres, he was taken prisoner by the Germans and held captive for the remainder of the war. He was released in 1919 at the rank of captain and returned to British Columbia, Canada and became a dredging inspector. He died at the age of 78. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Keerselaere on 24th April, 1915, during the German attack on the Ypres salient. Capt. (then Lieut.) Bellew, as Battalion Machine Gun Officer, had two guns in action on the high ground overlooking Keerselaere. The enemy's attack broke in full force on the morning of the 24th against the front and right flank of the Battalion – the latter being exposed owing to a gap in the line. The right Company was soon put out of action, but the advance was temporarily stayed by Capt. Bellew, who had sited his guns on the left of the right Company. Reinforcements were sent forward but they in turn were surrounded and destroyed. With the enemy in strength less than 100 yards from him, with no further assistance in sight, and with his rear threatened, Capt. Bellew and Serjt. Peerless, each operating a gun, decided to stay where they were and fight it out. Serjt. Peerless was killed and Capt. Bellew was wounded and fell. Nevertheless, he got up and maintained his fire till ammunition failed and the enemy rushed the position. Capt. Bellew then seized a rifle, smashed his machine gun, and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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