Background
Felix Baxter was born in Oldswinford near Stourbridge in Worcestershire, the son of Charles and Beatrice (née Sparrow).
Felix Baxter was born in Oldswinford near Stourbridge in Worcestershire, the son of Charles and Beatrice (née Sparrow).
Christ"s Hospital.
He worked as a tutor. He competed in the 1910 Isle of Manitoba TT Races and crashed on lap 4 at Ballacraine. The resulting damage to the front forks of his motor-cycle caused his retirement from the race.
Baxter was a second lieutenant in the 1/8th Battalion, The King"s (Liverpool) Regiment, British Army during the when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Venture capital. The citation appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette of 26 September 1916:
War Office, 26th September, 1916.
2nd Lieutenant Edward Felix Baxter, late L"pool R.
Foreign most conspicuous bravery. Prior to a raid on the hostile line he was engaged during two nights in cutting wire close to the enemy"s trenches.
The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second Lieutenant Baxter, while assisting in the wire cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the pin withdrawn ready to throw.
On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground, but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly saving many casualties.
Later, he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry, and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then assisted to bomb dugouts, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once to look for him.
There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty.
He is buried at Row A, Grave 10, in the Fillievres British Cemetery, France, located 8 miles south west of Hesdin.