The best known action of the Regiment in the First World War was the attack on Hill 60.
On 17 April 1915, 13 Brigade mounted an attack on Hill 60. The Hill was a small promontory on the edge of the Ypres Salient that afforded good views for the Germans across the British lines and in to Ypres.
Prior to the attack Hill 60 had been undermined for days with five galleries being driven under the German positions. The plan was to detonate large mines under the hill to destroy the enemy and their positions, then 13 Brigade would occupy the area.
The Hill was captured on 17 April, and on 20 April two and a half companies of the Regiment were ordered up to the front line as the enemy made a counter-attack. At dawn on 21 April the Germans began bombarding the QVRs with hand grenades. Casualties were heavy, including two officers, Major Lees and Lieutenant Summerhays who were killed. It was then that Lieutenant Geoffrey Harold Woolley left a position of safety to take command of the soldiers on the Hill.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with many men and all the other officers on the hill being killed. Woolley refused verbal and written orders to withdraw, saying he and his company would remain until properly relieved. They repelled numerous attacks through the night. When they were relieved the next morning, he returned with 14 men remaining from the 150-strong company.
For his gallantry Lieutenant Woolley was awarded the Victoria Cross, the first to be won by the Territorial Force.
Lt Col William Francis Roe DSO RAMC or just the Doc was made a DSO for treating the wounded under fire at Hill 60.
CSM Brehaut (later Major Brehaut) was given the Military Medal for his conduct during the battle.
The Victoria Rifles were under the command of Lt Col Shipley. Also present at the action were his Second in Command Maj (later Col) Dickins.