Tom Dresser’s Grandfather, also called Tom Dresser was born in Whenby in 1825. He was a local farmer having 506 acres, employing 6 men and 3 boys.
Tom’s father, Thomas was also born in Whenby in 1863. He was a groom by occupation, living in Little Langton, North Yorkshire. His Mother Clara (nee Ward) was a farmers daughter. Tom Dresser V.C. was born at Lawnd House Farm, Huby, near Easingwold on 9th April 1891.
On 8th February 1916 aged 22, he enlisted into the 6th Yorkshires, then transferred to the 5th Yorkshires. After 13 weeks at Rugeley training camp he sailed for France and arrived 13 weeks at Rugeley training camp he sailed for France and arrived on the Somme with the 7th Yorkshires in early September 1916.
Private Tom Dresser won his VC near Roeux on 12 th May 1917. It was gazetted on 27th June 1917 in the following manner: “On 12th May 1917 near Roeux, France, Private Dresser, in spite of having been twice wounded on the way and suffering great pain, succeeded in conveying an important message from battalion headquarters to the front line trenches, which he eventually reached in an exhausted condition. His fearlessness and determination to deliver this message at all costs proved of the greatest value to his battalion at a critical period”.
Tom Dresser was initiated into the Order on 8th December 1920 in the Duke of Wellington Lodge No.81, Middlesborough.
If you wish to read the full story please click on this link No 34 Victory Cross Winners Vol 1