Soldier Record

After his death Horace Charles Sore was recommended for a Victoria Cross, the highest gallantry award. A report from a Memorial Service in St Peter's appeared in the Suffolk and Essex Free Press on 8 August 1917:

Horace was recommended for a Victoria Cross.

“Pioneer Horace Charles Sore lost his life while performing a feat of exceptional gallantry. He went out in the front of lines under heavy fire in an attempt to cut one of the enemy's main telegraph routes which communicated with their reinforcements. He climbed the telegraph pole and had cut one wire when a shell burst near, blowing him to the ground. He immediately climbed the pole again and cut another wire, when a second shell burst which caused instantaneous death.”

The Officer went on to write: “He was absolutely devoid of fear and his name was specially recommended for the reward for gallantry.”

A later letter received by his mother says: “Your son was recommended by the Brigadier for the Victoria Cross and we hope it may be awarded. Unfortunately, in this case it was impossible to recover the body or the identification disc and the NCO who was close to him has since died. It is hoped the difficulty may be overcome and that the memory of Sudbury's gallant son will be justly honoured.”

He is remembered with Honour on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Thank you from all your great-nieces and great-nephews you never knew.