Henry Tandey VC

Lest we forget, 100 years ago. Henry Tandey @ http://www.leamingtonhistory.co.uk/?p=1704 Mods note: The link has been adjusted to allow access to the underlying written feature. The link originally presented a large version of the school photo.

What a great man and soldier. I believe all soldiers should be decorated, dead or alive, for bravery having the guts to proceed into war knowing they are likely to meet their death without seeing life, so young.

BBC article on Henry Tandey, and the Hitler story

Thank you for your interesting contribution Midland Red. Maybe someone will make a movie about this heroic man one day.

Henry Tandey to be honoured

deanocity3, first time I've seen this thread, interesting reading, never knew the story, just that there were V.C's on parade, so I attended the unveiling that your photo shows. Also the Mayor was Councillor for Longford district.

I notice that the Coventry Telegraph have dug up the story about Henry Tandey and Adolf Hitler again today. Whilst there is no doubting his heroism as a soldier of WWI, I thought the Hitler story had been debunked as a myth last year. I suppose they must have had a few spare column inches again.

In the book by David Johnson about Tandy, it gives history of the early days in Leamington, I found quite interesting.

Mr. Bishop asks: "did anyone ever meet this..."? Well, I did. I knew him over several years in the 60's. He was a works police sergeant at The Standard-Triumph Motor Company. Lovely old gent, quiet, modest and courteous. And if anyone would like to read about the researched account of Hitler's picture etc, they should read "Hitlers First War". Published about three or four years ago. I also knew sergeant Frost, Corps of Commissionaires at Standard. He was an army colleague of Tandy and knew all about his violent exploits, including the annual post cenotaph service drinks at the Royal Warwickshire Regiment club in the town. Frost said it was the only time Tandy let his hair down and talk. I still feel privileged to have known him.

Welcome to our forum D945387720 (gosh, a name would have been much easier to type!) So, did Henry ever mention Hitlers reprieve in one of these "drunken episodes"?

No, TonyS, we never spoke about his experiences. I sensed it was not go subject. Sgt Frost said Tandy wouldn't talk to anyone about it . Except, as he said, after the Remembrance Sunday drink. And although I was a one-time drinking member of the Royal Warwicks Social Club, I never met Mr. Tandy there. But as I recall, Sergeant Tandy was a very quiet man at his job as works policeman. He would sit there solemnly at his high desk, he spoke very little. I had not long left the RAF myself, so I naturally spotted his VC ribbon one afternoon when collecting my business visitor to the Fletchamstead Sales and Marketing division's main reception. At that time, he knew my name, and I his from his pal Sgt Frost. We were both on stricly formal terms, I Mister, he Sergeant, which was the business norm in those days. It was obvious he was a man who didn't encourage friendly chatting, so I always avoided being too outspoken or personel. I simply asked that particular day, "is that ribbon what I think it is?" He replied "Yes, it's the Victoria Cross". I said "Thank you sergeant, I have never met a VC holder before". And that was probably our first personal conversation! Over time, as I continued with this formal, friendly style, we each got a bit closer. It was always a pleasure and thrill to arrive each morning (a bit late so reception was empty), to be formally greeted by a VC holder. If I returned after lunch late, I often caught him dozing a little, so I'd slip silently by. Speaking to my office colleagues, it would seem I was the only one at the 'Fletch end' that had anything even approaching a personal recognition with him. Everyone just walked by, managers, staff, visitors alike. But I guess with both wars well gone, and fewer ex-servicemen about, no one either knew, or just wasn't was interested in a secret national hero and outstanding soldier sitting under their noses. Sgt Frost did relate to me how Mr. Tandy got his VC in the first world war - trench and position over-run by Germans, counter attack, over-run again, etc. etc. Officers and NCOs all gone, then Tandy and the Mills Gun rallying his comrades and led two actions, I seem to recall; he not only regained his company's position, but rallied what was left of his company and then took the Germans' own trenches!! I remember at the time being unbelievably impressed with his actions! So was Frosty telling me, by the way. Sadly I have long forgotten the detail, but Frost knew it all, and a bit more as a ex-regimental colleague of his. I keep meaning to search out his VC citation, but never get round to it. Job for someone younger maybe? If I recall any more I'll tell it. PS: My Identity number was given by the system. Sorry if it's a chore. I'm not very familiar with the process and IT yet.

What a great story! PS. I don't believe the forum assigns a name to new members, so not sure where D945387720 would have come from. However, you can change your "forum name" by hovering your mouse over where it says "Logged in as D945387720" (top right) then clicking on "Your profile". Then click the "Edit your profile" link, change your name to something more suitable to you, then don't forget to click "Update" before you leave the page. Hope that helps.

Now I believe that John Bishop that introduced this topic parachuted into action in the Suez war of 1956, although not a VC and not in line with this forum he has my deepest respects as a brave soldier

In today's episode of BBC1's 'Bargain Hunt', the presenter, Charlie Ross visited the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The Asst. Curator told him the stories of the 2 VC Green Howard Holders, one of whom was Tandey. He showed his medals, including the VC and photograph of him in WW1 uniform. The programme also showed the famous painting described in previous posts and the story relating to Hitler's study (although I don't know whether a copy of the picture is in the museum).