Bill Speakman Grenades And Bottles

In November 1951, during the Korean War, British private Bill Speakman of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers faced a human wave attack by Chinese troops after heavy artillery had smashed his unit’s positions. He grabbed as many grenades as he could and led a countercharge, hurling them into the oncoming soldiers until he ran out, then picked up empty beer bottles and kept throwing. His assault, fought largely at close quarters, bought enough time for his unit to withdraw to a safer position instead of being overrun. Despite being wounded in the leg, Speakman continued to fight until he had nothing left to throw, and he later received the Victoria Cross for his actions.

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