Only Man Awarded Both Victoria Cross & Iron Cross

A Victorian British army surgeon, William Manley, is the only man to have ever been awarded both the Victoria Cross and the Iron Cross.

Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.

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Born in Dublin in 1831, William Manley served in the British army as a surgeon.
He was involved in the campaigns in the Crimean War (Siege of sevastopol), New Zealans (battle of Gate Pa), Egypt (Tel el Kebir) and the Second Anglo Afghan War.

Having received the Victoria Cross at the battle of Gate Pa (New Zealand), he then volunteered to provide medical assistance during the Franco-Prussian War (1870), where he was awarded the Iron Cross.

He retired to heltenham, Gloucestershire, where he died in 1901.

To this day, he is the only man to have been awarded both Britian and Germany's highest medals for valour.

Related Videos.

The Double Victoria Cross Recipients:

Noel Chavasse

Arthur Martin- Leake

Charles Upham

Crimean War

The Battle of Balaclava

The Battle of Alma

The Battle of Inkerman

The Charge of the Light Brigade

World War 2

Pegasus Bridge (D-Day 1944)

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Early Life
1:18 Crimean War
2:34 New Zealand Wars
4:43 Battle of Gate Pa
6:29 Awarded Victoria Cross
7:15 Medical Victoria Crosses
8:00 The Franco-Prussian War 1870
11:04 Awarded Iron Cross
11:45 Later Career
12:29 Death & Legacy

Chris Green isThe History Chap:
Telling stories that bring British history to life.
Explore the forgotten past.
Get the facts behind the stories.
Find out the real events behind films.
Learn about the famous (and not so famous) characters
See how the past connects to the present.

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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"

Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[kingjoerd]

Such men will never be forgotten as long as there is an enthusiastic chap willing to tell his story.

[stevegreen]

Talking with an older German friend a few years ago and the subject of medals came up. He revealed that he had been awarded the Iron cross twice in WW11. and aske3d bout my father in the British Army. We finished up laying out the medals on the table beside each other. His words--mixed with tears--"I never thought I would see this happen" . Living in Australia he had kept his story a secret until then.

[jamesgarman]

Thanks for keeping British history alive Chris!!! Much appreciated!

[johnnunn]

That’s a ripe old age for that era, especially considering he had been at war, many times. Kudos, Sir.

[serwombles]

What a life! thanks for covering him so his deeds are remembered again!

[baz-wcfi]

Remember, him serving the Prussians would not have been out of the ordinary, because it was the Prussians who helped Wellington Win Waterloo!!

[foxcell]

Another interesting video and now Manly is no longer a forgotten solder with your research and passion

Thanks again

Mark Brown

[lajoszlatos]

Chris! It was an absolutely fantastic story about not just a about a great soldier, but a outstanding human being!!! Thank you!!

[seniorelzappo]

What an extraordinary life, replete with bravery, humanity a service . thank you for telling his story ..

[andrewsteele]

Good morning, Chris, you do tell a cracking story. During my service in our medical Corp, we were never privy to the deeds of men like Mr. Manley. We did have our Simpson and his donkey. Which is bloody amazing in itself. Mr. Manly died of diabetes at 90, he did really well to get to that age with the disease. We struggle to keep people alive now into their 70's with diabetes. And I am sorry about my tardiness in keeping up with your video's. Cheers

[jrey]

Always enjoy these VC videos! Especially when it comes to ones like this. Thank you sir!

[kennethhummel]

There is another one out there, a member of the kings African rifles. Awarded the Ironcross during WW1 while serving in the German African colonial forces and during WW2 serving in the army of King George the 6th. He is mentioned in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd as an honor guard.

[Farweasel]

A very brave lad that Manley
When it mattered
He really was Manley

[bobschenkel]

Quite an impressive story. Dr. Manley certainly lived up to his surname, and brought honor and glory to it.

[georgejackson]

Fascinating. There's a headstone in a cemetery here in mid Wales, uk in memory of a young soldier who fell at the fall of the Redan in 1855.

[Salam_Damai]

Greetings from Indonesia. Thank you for yet another fascinating video, meticulously researched and vigorously presented. I particularly enjoyed your description of the Māori defence of their pa in 1864.

[Trevawgathinny-rylz]

In a similar vein, John Ramsden's book, "Don't Mention the War", references a German POW camp at Wilton Park. One of the men tasked with denazifying the POWs was a German Jew, who was later awarded a gong. He also had an iron cross from WW1.

[suepoole]

Have found this channel whilst watching Wrecked Nation's reaction to this video.. must say what a lot I have to learn, so a new subscriber here.. 72 and in UK, so much of our history I have never heard or have forgotten over time

[AlbertComelles]

An amazing story, once again. Thank you Chris!

[billmccarthy]

Brilliant Chris just brilliant. I could listen to you for hours. Fascinating story and what a life for such a dedicted human being.Thank you very much.