Henry Weale, the son of John and Sarah Weale (nee Hughes), was born in Nine Houses, Shotton, Flintshire, Wales, on 2nd October 1897. His family moved later to 33 Brook Road. His father worked as a general labourer in the John Summer’s Steelworks and Henry was educated at St Ethelwald’s School, Shotton. On leaving school at 14, the young man worked as a packer at the John Summer’s Steelworks. He enlisted with the 5th Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Territorial Force) in November 1911.
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. The adjacent battalion having been held up by enemy machine guns, Lance Corporal Weale was ordered to deal with the hostile posts. When his Lewis gun failed him, on his own initiative he rushed the nearest post and killed the crew, then went for the others, the crews of which fled on his approach, this gallant N.C.O. pursuing them. His very dashing deed cleared the way for the advance, inspired his comrades, and resulted in the capture of all the machine guns.
By this remarkable act of courage he helped change the course of the First World War. Unlike Harry Weale, many (including VC winners) never returned to their home towns following the Great War, which claimed about 20 million lives.
He was decorated with his VC by His Majesty King George V, in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace on 1st March 1919.
Henry Weale was initiated into the Order in the Col. Cody Lodge No. 720, Rhyl Province. An article in the Buffalo Quarterly Journal of July 1952 reports that on March 21st 1952 the four sons of Bro. Henry Weale VC, Viz; Edward Henry; Norman Victor; John Francis and Derek were initiated into the Col. Cody Lodge No.720. May the sons of Bro. Harry Weale live up to their fathers’ reputation.
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