- Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney
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Private Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney VC DCM MM (24 December 1892 - 18 September 1918) was a 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. Born in Dublin, Ireland, by birth he was an Irish citizen but became a Canadian citizen by naturalization.
Nunney was one of seven Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 2 September 1918. The other six Victoria Cross recipients were William Metcalf, Cyrus Wesley Peck, John Francis Young, Walter Leigh Rayfield, Bellenden Hutcheson and Arthur George Knight.
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Historic Corrections Needed
Birth registration is Stephen Sargent Claude NUNNEY (not Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney). Nunney was not born in Dublin Ireland, but in fact he was born in Hastings, England. Nunney did not become a Canadian citizen by naturalization process, but by becoming part of a child emigration scheme known as British Home Children.
Dave Lorente (Homechildren Canada) wrote in an article on Claude:
"It is interesting to speculate how Claude Nunney would answer, were he alive today and asked to give his first names, DOB and birthplace, because for some unknown reason or reasons he knowingly or unwittingly gave false information when he joined up in World War I. Perhaps it was because, like so many other Home Children, he had lost his baptismal record and/or birth certificate. ... [H]is birth certificate shows he was actually born in Hastings, England - not in Dublin as his military Attestation papers show. Nor was he Irish...and his name was not Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney as he stated but Stephen Sargent Claude Nunney' - the 'Sargent' being his mother's maiden name. His birthdate was also wrong and he came to Canada as Stephen - not Claude. All that said, none of it detracts in any way from the brave things he did during World War I when he became one of 'Canada's Magnificent Seven' and won the former Empire and Commonwealth's highest award for bravery in the ranks."
Details
He was a Private in the 38th (Ottawa) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC.
For most conspicuous bravery during the operations against the Drocourt-Quéant Line on Sept. 1st and 2nd, 1918.
On Sept. 1st, when his battalion was in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, preparatory to the advance, the enemy laid down a heavy barrage and counter-attacked. Pte. Nunney, who was at this time at company headquarters, immediately on his own initiative proceeded through the barrage to the company outpost lines, going from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example. The enemy were repulsed and a critical situation was saved.
During the attack on Sept. 2nd, his dash continually placed him in advance of his companions, and his fearless example undoubtedly helped greatly to carry the company forward to its objectives. When his battalion which was preparing to advance, was heavily counter-attacked by the enemy, Private Nunney on his own initiative, went forward through the barrage to the company out-post lines, going from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example.
- London Gazette 13 December 1918
He died aged 25, 16 days after receiving what proved to be mortal wounds and was buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, near Aubigny-en-Artois (Grave reference number IV. B. 39)
Further information
Cpl Nunney was a member of the 38th (Ottawa) Battalion which is perpetuated by the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. The Cameron Highlanders are a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve light infantry regiment located in the Cartier Square Drill Hall.
The medal
All of Nunney's medals (he had earlier in the war won the Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal), including his VC are displayed above the fireplace at the Armoury in Cornwall, Ontario.
References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- Clarke, Brian D. H. (1986). "A register of awards to Irish-born officers and men". The Irish Sword XVI (64): 185–287.
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
External links
- Pte. Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney, VC, DCM, MM (biography) <- Geocities not in operation and needs updating
- CLAUDE JOSEPH PATRICK NUNNEY (service/personal details, photograph, citation, relevant documents, burial information)
- Legion Magazine-The Magnificent Seven
- Ontario Plaques - Claude J.P. Nunney
Categories:- 1892 births
- 1918 deaths
- Canadian World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross
- Irish emigrants to Canada (before 1923)
- People from Dublin (city)
- Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal
- Recipients of the Military Medal
- Canadian military personnel killed in World War I
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