Nickname(s) Billy Rank Private Name William McFadzean Allegiance United Kingdom | Role Armed force officer Awards Victoria Cross Service/branch British Army | |
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Battles/wars World War I - Battle of the Somme Died July 1, 1916, Thiepval, France Similar People Robert Quigg, Douglas Haig - 1st Earl Haig, Fritz von Below, Ferdinand Foch, Max von Gallwitz | ||
William Frederick "Billy" McFadzean VC (9 October 1895 – 1 July 1916) was born in Lurgan, County Armagh. From Ulster, he 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.
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Details
McFadzean was a 20-year-old rifleman in the 14th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, British Army during the First World War. On 1 July 1916, during the Battle of the Somme near Thiepval Wood, France, a box of hand grenades slipped into a crowded trench. Two of the safety pins in the grenades were dislodged. McFadzean threw himself on top of the grenades, which exploded, killing him but injuring only one other. The citation published in the Sept 8 1916 London Gazette read:
No. 14/18278 Pte. William Frederick McFadzean, late R. Ir. Rif.
For most conspicuous bravery. While in a concentration trench and opening a box of bombs for distribution prior to an attack, the box slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private McFadzean, instantly realising the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the Bombs. The bombs exploded blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew his danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment's hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.
McFadzean's father was presented with his son's VC by King George V in Buckingham Palace, London on 28 February 1917.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Royal Ulster Rifles Museum, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
McFadzean played rugby for Collegians RFC. He was also a member of the East Belfast Regiment of the Ulster Volunteers and the Young Citizens Volunteers
Legacy
Private McFadzean was remembered in song: