 John Woods Whittle , VC , DCM ( 3 August 1882 – 2 March 1946 ) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross , the highest decoration for gallantry " in the face of the enemy " that can be awarded to members of the British and British Commonwealth armed forces . Whittle was serving as a sergeant in the First World War when he was awarded the VC for his actions at the Battle of Pozières in France in 1916. Unterscheidungskriterien . The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces. Victoria Cross Winner