On 30 March 1918, during the First World War, Lieutenant Flowerdew was serving with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Stationed in the area of Bois de Moreuil, France, his unit was ordered to charge a machine gun position. On reaching the objective, he found two lines of enemy troops charging through both lines, and despite suffering heavy losses, forced the enemy to retreat in confusion.
Wounded in both thighs, Lieutenant Flowerdew continued directing the fighting throughout the day and later died of his wounds, receiving the Victoria Cross for his bravery.
Prior to the war, Flowerdew homesteaded in the Duck Lake area.
For most conspicuous bravery and dash when in command of a squadron detailed for special service of a very important nature. On reaching the first objective, Lieutenant Flowerdew saw two lines of the enemy, each about sixty strong, with machine guns in the centre and flanks, one line being about two hundred yards behind the other. Realising the critical nature of the operation and how much depended upon it, Lieutenant Flowerdew ordered a troop under Lieutenant Harvey, V.C., to dismount and carry out a special movement while he led the remaining three troops to the charge. The squadron (less one troop) passed over both lines, killing many of the enemy with the sword; and wheeling about galloped at them again. Although the squadron had then lost about 70 per cent of its numbers, killed and wounded, from rifle and machine-gun fire directed on it from the front and both flanks, the enemy broke and retired. The survivors of the squadron then established themselves in a position where they were joined, after much hand-to-hand fighting, by Lieutenant Harvey’s party. Lieutenant Flowerdew was dangerously wounded through both thighs during the operation, but continued to cheer on his men. There can be no doubt that this officer’s great valour was the prime factor in the capture of the position.
London Gazette, no.30648, 24 April 1918