article_snippet: The honour, the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy, was awarded to Private James Towers after he bravely volunteered for the mission at Mericourt near Lens, France, on October 6, 1918.
article_snippet: For he incredible act of courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross and it was presented to he by King George V at Buckingham Palace upon he return to Britain.
article_snippet: David Erskine-Hill, of auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, said: 'James Towers had watched five comrades die as five comrades tried to get through to the lost platoon yet James Towers still volunteered to take the message. '
article_snippet: This was cool, calculated courage from a man prepared to risk James Towers own life to stop James Towers fellow soldiers from being cut off.
article_snippet: James Towers is a great story of gallantry and survival.'
article_snippet: Regarding the brave act for which he was awarded The Victoria Cross, he said he had to try and get a message to a group of 30 comrades that the battalion was ready to withdraw from the ruined village of Mericourt.
article_snippet: The recommendation for his Victoria Cross states: 'In spite of heavy fire opened on his as soon as his moved, his went straight through from cover to cover and eventually delivered a message.
article_snippet: his attended a number of Royal dinners held in honour of Victoria Cross winners.
article_snippet: Private James Towers was successful and British and Australian troops was led back to the British lines.
highlights_snippet: Honour awarded to Private James Towers after Honour showed bravery in 1918 .
  