Hitch had no luck with VC's

Subject: Hitch had no luck with VC's Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:58 pm

"Private Frederick Hitch, twenty-four, also won a Victoria Cross and survived his years of service to enjoy the wearing of it as a commissionaire. The bad luck of his regiment seemed to pursue Hitch and his medal, even to the grave. One day while Hitch was in his commissionaire's uniform and wearing his medals a thief snatched the Victoria cross from his chest. It was never seen again. King Edward VII eventually gave him another to replace it, but when Hitch died in 1913 this one, too, had disappeared. Fifteen years later it turned up in an auction room; his family bought it and it is now in the museum of his old regiment. Mounted on his tomb in Chiswick cemetery was a bronze replica of the Victoria Cross. In 1968 thieves stole that."

Have any of the members, paid a visit to Hitch's grave.

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

I also read that the original helmet was stolen.

Subject: Re: Hitch had no luck with VC's Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:39 am

i have found that the medal is still awarded but cant find a picture of it , or list of recipients , perhaps someone has more info ?

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

I have also been looking. It might be worth e-mailing the Hackney London Taxi company,

Subject: Re: Hitch had no luck with VC's Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:35 pm

Good idea 24th.

However, today while at Charing Cross Station, I asked four cab drivers if they had heard of the Fred Hitch gallantry award for Cab drivers.

They had never heard of Fred Hitch let alone, the Fred Hitch gallantry award for Cab drivers. You see the British are forgetting their History.

Subject: Re: Hitch had no luck with VC's Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:46 am

i sent an e-mail to the London Taxi drivers Association a couple of days ago asking for info ------ no reply for the moment .

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Any reply Gary.

Subject: Re: Hitch had no luck with VC's Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:14 am

nothing for the moment - doesnt look too hopeful .

Posts : 3327 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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Leeds Mercury 09 January 1913

Posts : 3327 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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The People 04 October 1908

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Belfast Telegraph - Friday 22 November 1929

» "Sptting on the gun" A good luck charm
» Frederick Hitch 2nd Battalion 24th In Colour
» No Martini Henry Rifles Found Among The Zulu Dead At Rorkes Drift.
» Hitch and Bromhead
» Frederick Hitch. Rorkes Drift Defender 22nd/ 23rd Jan 1879