Arthur Edward Cumming (VC, OBE, MC) was a 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 45 years old, and a Lieutenant Colonel in the 2 /, 12th Frontier Force Regiment , Indian Army, Commander during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 3 January 1942 near Kuantan, Malaya, the Japanese made a furious attack on the battalion and a strong enemy force penetrated the position. Lieutenant Colonel Cumming, with a small party of men immediately led a counter-attack and although all his men became casualties and he himself had two bayonet wounds in the stomach he managed to restore the situation sufficiently for the major portion of the battalion and its vehicles to be withdrawn. Later he drove in a carrier under very heavy fire, collecting isolated detachments of his men and was again wounded. His gallant actions helped the brigade to withdraw safely.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of Brigadier.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).

Reference

• British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

See also

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (Edinburgh)

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