John Cunningham (Irish VC)

John Cunningham VC, born in Hall Street, Thurles, County Tipperary (October 22, 1890 - April 16, 1917) was an Irish 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.

Details

He was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

:"On 12 April 1917 at Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France, Corporal Cunningham was in command of a Lewis gun section which came under a very heavy enfilade fire. Although wounded, he succeeded, almost alone, in reaching the objective with his gun which he got into action in spite of much opposition. When counter-attacked by a party of 20 Germans, he exhausted his ammunition against them and then started throwing bombs. He was wounded again and fell, but picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until his bombs were finished. He then made his way back to the British lines with a fractured arm and other wounds. There is little doubt that the superb courage of this N.C.O. cleared up a most critical situation on the left flank of the attack."

Remarks

Cunningham later died from the effects of his wounds near Barlin on April 16, 1917. He is buried in Barlin cemetery, plot 1, row A, grave 39.

The medal is not publicly displayed.

References

Listed in order of publication year
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
*The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
*Irelands VCs (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)