Remembering 'Outstanding Leader' Derek Seagrim VC

Today, 6 April, marks 75 years since Derek Seagrim died after being severely wounded in battle during the Second World War. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his personal courage and outstanding leadership during the North Africa Campaign.

Lieutenant Colonel Derek Anthony Seagrim VC

7th Battalion, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment)

Died: 6 April 1943

Aged: 39

Commemorated in: Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia

Born in Bournemouth, Dorset, on 24 September 1903, Derek was the third of five sons. His father was the Reverend Charles Seagrim, rector of Whissonsett in Norfolk, and he was educated at Norwich School, as well as his younger brother Hugh.

Derek joined the Green Howards in 1923 and served in Jamaica, Palestine and China. He completed a three-year tour with the King's African Rifles in East Africa and in 1939 returned to the 1st Battalion, Green Howards, in Palestine as an Intelligence Officer.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was an Air Liaison Officer in East Africa before working on the staff for the Greek Campaign between 1941-42. He was given command of 7th Battalion, Green Howards, at El Alamein in October 1942.

On 20/21 March 1943 at the Mareth Line, Tunisia, Derek's courage and leadership led to the capture of an important objective. For his actions here he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The London Gazette reported:

“On the night of 20th/21st March, 1943, a battalion of the Green Howards was ordered to attack and capture an important and strongly defended feature on the Mareth Line. The battalion was subjected to intense fire; it appeared more than probable that it would be held up and that the main attack would fail. Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim realized the seriousness of the situation and at the head of his battalion led it through a hail of fire to the assault, personally attacking two machine-gun posts; it is estimated that in this phase he killed, or captured, twenty Germans. By his personal courage, disregard for his own safety, and outstanding leadership he so inspired his men that the battalion successfully took and held its objective, thereby enabling the attack to proceed.”

Derek died days later at a military hospital near Sfax on 6 April 1943, after being severely wounded at the Battle of Wadi Akarit. He is buried in Sfax War Cemetery, Plot XIV Row C Grave 21.

Derek’s younger brother Hugh was posthumously awarded the George Cross for “most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner”, after he and eight of his Karen companions were executed by the Japanese in Rangoon.