September 23 1916: VC winner goes back to selling newspapers after army discharge

Military glory did not guarantee riches after leaving the army.

George Wilson earned the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy for his actions in 1914.

His citation reads: “For most conspicuous gallantry on the 14th of September near Verneuil, in attacking a hostile Machine Gun, accompanied by only one man. When the latter was killed, he went on alone, shot the Officer and six Men working the Gun, which he captured.”

Just two years later he was selling newspapers in Edinburgh.