Buried at Arras Memorial Battles/wars World War I † Battles and wars World War I Allegiance United Kingdom Name David Hirsch Service/branch British Army | Rank Captain Role Military officer Awards Victoria Cross Unit Green Howards Place of burial Arras Memorial | |
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Died April 23, 1917, Wancourt, France Similar People William Anderson, Derek Anthony Seagrim, Stewart Loudoun‑Shand, William Clamp, Stanley Hollis | ||
David Philip Hirsch VC (28 December 1896 – 23 April 1917) was a British Army officer during World War I and 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.
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Details
Hirsch was born 28 December 1896 to Harry and Edith Hirsch of Weetwood Grove, Leeds.
He was 20 years old, and an Acting Captain in the 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own), British Army during the First World War. On 23 April 1917 near Wancourt, France, he performed a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died in action that day.
Citation
2nd Lt. (A/Capt.) David Philip Hirsch, late York R.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack.
Having arrived at the first objective, Capt. Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over fire-swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established.
Machine gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position.
He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine gun fire and counterattack until he was killed.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Regimental Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.