Allegiance United Kingdom Role Armed force officer Awards Victoria Cross Name John McNamara Unit East Surrey Regiment | Battles/wars World War I † Service/branch British Army Rank Corporal Battles and wars World War I | |
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Born 28 October 1887
Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire ( 1887-10-28 ) Buried at Romries Communal Cemetery Extension Died October 16, 1918, Solesmes, Nord, France Similar People Edward Dwyer, Arthur Fleming‑Sandes, Edward Foster, Frederick Youens | ||
John McNamara VC (28 October 1887 – 16 October 1918) 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.
He was 30 years old, and a corporal in the 9th Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
On 3 September 1918 north west of Lens, France, when operating a telephone in evacuated enemy trenches occupied by his battalion, Corporal McNamara realised that a determined enemy counter-attack was gaining ground. Rushing to the nearest post, he made very good use of a revolver taken from a wounded officer and then, seizing a Lewis gun, he fired it until it jammed. By this time, he was alone in the post and, having destroyed the telephone, he joined the nearest post and maintained a Lewis gun until reinforcements arrived.
He was killed in action near Solesmes, France, on 16 October 1918.
The Medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Museum, in Clandon Park, Surrey.