William Richard Cotter VC (March 1882 – 14 March 1916) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Cotter was born in Folkestone, Kent in 1882 the son of Richard and Amy Cotter, his father who had been born in Ireland was described in the 1891 census of Elham as a plasterer's labourer. He was buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France which is 7 miles north west of Bethune. Plot IV. Row E. Grave 45.