NAMDEO JADAV. (reg No. 911).
Sepoy.* 5th Mahratta Light Infantry. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on the 19th June, 1945.
Born on 18th November 1921 at Nimaj, (Village), Admednagar District,
Bombay, India.
Died on 2nd August 1984 in India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 19th April 1945 at the River Senio, Italy, a small party of
men were almost annihilated during an assault on the East Bank
of the river. Under heavy fire and through extremely deep water,
Sepoy Nemdeo Jadav carried two men who were wounded up a steep
bank and through a mined area to a place of safety. Then taking
vengeance on the enemy he eliminated three machine-gun posts.
Determined to avenge his dead comrades he climbed to the top of
the bank and yelling the Mahratta war-cry, he waved the surviving
companies across the river. His action saved many lives and allowed
his Battalion, not only to secure the bridgehead: but finally
to crush all enemy resistance in the vicinity.
Additional information:.. Havildar** Namdeo Jadav also held the
Indian PVSM.
*Private. **Sergeant.
NAND SINGH. (reg No. 912).
Acting Naik* 1st/11th Sikh Regiment. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 6th June 1944.
Born on 24th September, 1914 at Bahadur ( Village), Patiala State,
Punjab, India.
Died on 12th December 1947 at Uri, Kashmir.India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 11th/12th March 1944, Naik Nand Singh was ordered to recapture
a position that had been taken by the enemy at the Maungdaw-Buthidaung
Road, in Burma,. He led his section, under extremely heavy machine-gun
and rifle fire, up a steep, knife edged slope.. Nand Singh was
wounded in the thigh, but they successfully captured the first
trench. Crawling forward on his own, he was again wounded, this
time in the shoulder and the face. In spite of this he went on
to capture two more trenches .
Additional information:. He was later promoted to Jemadar**
* Corporal. ** Lieutenant.
NAPIER, William. (reg No. 913).
Sergeant. 1st Battalion. 13th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th December, 1858.
Born in 1828 at Bingley, Yorkshire.
Died on 2nd June 1908 at Rochester, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Rochester Cemetery, Victoria, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry on 6th April 1858 near Azimghur, India,
Sergeant Napier, while surrounded by Sepoys, he bandaged the wounds
of Private Benjamin Milnes of the 13th Regiment, whilst under
fire. He remained with him, until he was finally able to carry
him to safety.
* Prince Consort's (Albert's) Somerset Light Infantry.
Additional information:. Sergeant-Major Napier joined the 13th
Regiment on 10th December 1846. He saw service in the Indian Mutiny
where he won his Victoria Cross. He left the army at his own request
on 10th December 1862, after 16 years service.
NASH, William. (reg No. 914).
Corporal. 2nd Battalion. Rifle Brigade. *
London Gazetted on the 24th December, 1858.
Born on the 23rd April, 1824 at Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland.
Died on 29th April 1875 at Hackney, Middlesex.
Inscription on the Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:.
Corporal Nash, was engaged with Captain Wilmot's Company, against
a large number of the enemy near the iron bridge. Four of them
found themselves at the end of a street, faced with an extremely
large body of the enemy. One of the four had been shot through
both legs, unable to move. Corporal Nash and Private Hawkes lifted
and carried the wounded man whilst Captain Wilmot, using his men's
rifles, fired them and covered their retreat. Private Hawks, although
severely wounded, continued to carried the man, along with Corporal
Nash, to safety.
* Prince Consort's Own Rifle Brigade.
Additional information:. Corporal Nash, Captain Wilmot and Private
Hawkes were all awarded the Victoria Cross for their part in this
action.
NEAME, Philip. (reg No. 916).
Lieutenant. 15th Field Company. Royal Engineers.
London Gazetted on 18th February 1915.
Born on 12th December 1888 at Macknade, Faversham, Kent.
Died on 28th April 1978 at Selling, Faversham, Kent.
Memorial at Selling Church, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
Near Neuve Chapelle, France, on the 19th December, 1914, Lieutenant
Neame, despite the heavy rifle fire and bombing by the enemy,
succeeded in holding back German counter-attacks by making single-handed
bombing attacks. He was covered by rifle and machine gun fire
from the trenches, that had been recently captured from the Germans.
During this act he killed and wounded many of them.. He was able
to delay the enemy advance long enough to rescue any of our wounded
that were able to be moved.
Additional information:. Lieutenant General Sir Philip Neame was
created a Knight Commander, Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire (KBE); a Companion of the Order of the Bath and he also
held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). In addition he held
the Legion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre of France, the Croix
de Guerre of Belgium, the Czechoslovakian Knight of the Order
of the White Lion, a Knight of the Order of St John and a Fellow
of the Royal Geographical Society.
More to be added.
NEEDHAM, Samuel. (reg No. 917).
Private. 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th of October 1918.
V.C. Medal's Custodian is the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regimental
Museum (Luton).
Born on 16th August, 1885 at Greta Limber, Lincolnshire.
Died on 4th November, 1918 at Kantara, Egypt.
Memorial on Kantara War Memorial, Egypt.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10th/11th September, 1918 at Kefr Kasim, Palestine, one of
our patrols was attacked by the enemy in considerable force, supported
by very heavy fire. At a critical moment Private Needham ran back,
turned to face a fresh body of the enemy which was approaching
and fired rapidly at about 40 Turks at only 30 yards range. This
action checked the enemy and just gave the patrol commander time
to get his men together again. Half of the patrol were casualties
but they managed to get back all their wounded. Private Needham's
action in standing up to the enemy all alone did much to inspire
the men and undoubtedly saved the situation.
NEELY, Thomas. (reg No. 918).
Corporal. 8th Battalion. Royal Lancaster Regiment. *
London Gazetted on the 14th December 1918.
Born on 28th March 1897 at Seacombe, Wallasey, Cheshire.
Killed in action on the 1st October 1918 at Flesquieres, France.
Memorial on grave at Masnieres British Cemetery, France and at
The Priory, Lancaster.
Digest of Citation reads:
Realising the gravity of the situation, when his company was held
up by heavy machine-gun from a flank during the advance at Flesquieres,
France, on 27th September 1918, Corporal Neely, immediately started
out with two men, and rushed the gun positions. They disposed
of the garrisons and captured three machine-guns. On two later
occasions he rushed a series of enemy positions, often single
handed, including a strongly fortified garrison, killing or capturing
the defenders. Because of his action, his company was able to
advance along the Hindenburg support line for 3000 yards.
* King's Own .
Additional information:. Lance Sergeant Neely (spelt Neeley in
the Victoria Cross 1856-1920) was killed in action on the 1st
October 1918, three days after his gallant action.
NELSON, David. (reg No. 919).
Sergeant. L Battery Royal Horse Artillery.
London Gazetted on 16th November 1914.
Born on 3rd April 1876 at Deraghland, Stradnnoden, County Monaghan,
Ireland.
Died of his wounds, received in action, on the 8th April 1918
at 58th Casualty Clearing Station, Lillers, France.
Memorial on grave at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 1st September 1914, at Nery, France, L Battery, after distinguishing
itself covering the retreat, unexpectedly came under fire from
a far superior enemy force. The fire was so destructive that it
left only one gun in action. This gun continued firing by Sergeant-Major
Dorrell, Sergeant NELSON, Gunner H Derbyshire and Driver Osborne,
until all ammunition was expended. At this time all the officers
and men of the battery had either been killed or wounded. The
Queen's Bays and I Battery came to their rescue.
Additional information:. Sergeant-Major and Sergeant NELSON were
awarded the Victoria Cross as was Captain BRADBURY, who was killed
in the action, received it posthumously. Gunner Derbyshire and
Driver Osborne received the French Médaille Militaire.
Major NELSON died of his wounds five days after his 42nd birthday..
NESBITT, Randolph Cosby. (reg No. 920).
Captain. Mashonaland Mounted Police. South African Forces.
London Gazetted on the 7th May, 1897.
Born on 20th September 1867 at Queenstown, Cape Colony, South
Africa.
Died on the 23rd July, 1956 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Memorial on his Ashes which are interred in the Anglican Cathedral,
Salisbury, Rhodesia.
Digest of Citation reads:
Captain Nesbitt went to the rescue of miners at the Alice Mine
in the Mazoe Valle, Rhodesia, on 19th June 1896 , with a patrol
of only 13 men. The miners were surrounded by hordes of rebels
but Captain Nesbitt, and his patrol, fought their way through
the enemy and succeeded in rescuing the harassed party, which
included three women, and delivering them to Salsbury. During
heavy fighting which ensued during the rescue, three of the small
patrol were killed and five were wounded.
NETRABAHADUR THAPA. (reg No. 921).
Acting Subadar. 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on the 12th of October 1944.
Born on 8th January 1916 at Rahu ( Village) Bhirkot, Nepal.
Killed in action on 26th June 1944 at Bishenpur, Burma..
Tribute on the Rangoon Memorial, Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Bishenpur, Burma, on the day's 25th/26th June 1944, Subadar
Netrabahadur Thapa was commanding a small isolated post on a hill.
The Japanese attacked in force and the Gurkhas, inspired by their
Subadar, who showed great courage and set a fine example, continued
to hold their ground, beating back the enemy. He had to call
for reinforcement as the casualties were extremely heavy. The
reinforcements, when they arrived, after some time, also became
casualties. This officer, undeterred, showing great courage, recovered
the ammunition alone. He then began to attack the Japanese with
grenades and kukris, until he himself was finally killed.
NETTLETON, John Dering. (reg No. 922).
Squadron Leader. 44 Squadron. Royal Air Force.
London Gazetted on the 28th April 1942.
Born on 28th June 1917 at Nongoma, Natal, South Africa.
Killed in action, during a bombing flight to Turin in February
1944.
No known grave, but has an inscription on the Runnymede Memorial,
Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
Squadron Leader Nettleton was leading one of the two formations
of six Lancaster bombers that had been detailed to attacking diesel
engine factory at Augsburg, Germany, on 17th April 1942. On crossing
into enemy territory they were attacked by 25-30 German fighters.
After the attack only two aircraft remained, the others having
been shot down. The two aircraft continued on their course to
the target at a height of around 50 ft above the ground. At Augsburg,
they were greeted by intense anti-aircraft fire from almost point-blank
range. They managed to drop their bombs on the target, but the
second aircraft was hit and after bursting into flames, crash-landed.
Squadron Leader Nettleton's aircraft was the only one of its formation
to return safely.
Additional information:. He was promoted to Wing Commander and
carried out several more operations with great courage.
NEWELL, Robert. (reg No. 923).
Private. 9th Lancers. *
London Gazetted on the 24th December, 1858.
Born in 1835 at Seaham, County Durham.
Died on 11th July 1858 in India..
Memorial not known.
Private Newell, at Lucknow, India, on 19th March 1858, whilst
under extremely heavy musketry fire from a large body of the enemy,
went to the assistance of, and rescued a comrade whose horse had
fallen on bad ground and managed to get him to safety.
* Queen's Royal.
NEWLAND, John Ernest. (reg No. 924).
Captain. 12th Battalion * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 22nd August 1881 at Highton, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 19th March 1948 at Caulfield, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Brighton General Cemetery, Melbourne, Australia
and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
Captain Newland had organised an attack on an important objective,
and personally led his company in a bombing attack under extremely
heavy fire at Bapaume, France, on the 7th/9th April 1917, rallying
his men who had suffered heavy casualties. His company, who were
holding the captured position, were counter -attacked, by the
enemy, the following night, but the captain, with utter disregard
for his own safety and sensible use of reserves, along with his
men, regained it On another occasion, when the company to his
left was overpowered and his own company was being attacked from
the rear, he drove off the combined attack that had unfolded from
these directions. When the attacks were renewed three or four
times, it was Captain Newland's tenacity and disregard for his
own safety that had encouraged his company to hold out. The stand
by this man was a great importance, producing outstanding results.
* Southern Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmanian Battalion.
Additional information:. Major Newlands also held the Military
Service Medal (MSM).
NEWMAN, Augustus Charles. (reg No. 925).
Lieutenant Colonel. Essex Regiment (attached to No. 2 Commando).
London Gazetted on 19th June 1945.
Born on 19th August 1904 at Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Essex.
Died on 26th April 1972 at Sandwich , Kent.
Memorial on grave at Boreham, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Colonel Newman was the officer in charge of the military
force consisting of 44 officers and 224 other ranks. On the night
of 27th/28th June 1942, he was one of the first ashor, leading
his men, without regard for his own safety, in the attack on St
Nazaire, France.. They had been detailed to land on occupied territory
and destroy the dock installations of the German naval base there.
His men were so inspired by his leadership that they fought valiantly
and held off an enemy far superior in numbers, until the demolition
crews had completed their tasks. Lieutenant Colonel Newman, and
his men. tried to fight their way, through the enemy, into the
open countryside. However,they were finally overwhelmed and taken
prisoner, but not until all their ammunition had been exhausted.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Newman, also held
the Order of the British Empire, (OBE) and the Territorial Decoration,
(TD). His other decorations included the Légion d'Honneur
and the Croix de Guerre of France. He became the Deputy Lieutenant
of the County of Essex.
He was a Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers (MICE) later,
in 1957-58, becoming the Chairman of Federation of Civil Engineering
Contractors.
As he was taken prisoner, his Victoria Cross was not recorded
in the London Gazette until the 19th June 1945.
NEWTON, William Ellis. (reg No. 926).
Flight-Lieutenant. 22 Squadron. Royal Australian Air Force.
London Gazetted on 19th October 1943.
Born on 8th June 1919 at St Kilda, Victoria, Australia.
Executed by the Japanese on 29th March 1943 at Salamaua,New Guinea.
Memorial on grave at Lae War Cemetery, New Guinea, also the Australian
War Memorial, Canberra, at St Kilda Presbyterian Church and the
Victoria Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
Flight-Lieutenant Newton's aircraft was repeatedly hit whilst
leading an attack at a low level on Japanese buildings and fuel
dumps in New Guinea. In spite of this, he continued through the
heavy fire and released his bombs. His aircraft was severely damaged,
crippling it, but he managed to return to his base. The following
day he returned to bomb a single building in the same target area,
but this time the plane burst into flames and with great difficulty
he managed to crash-land in the sea. Flight-Lieutenant Newton
and his Flight Sergeant were captured by the Japanese. They were
both executed on 29th March 1943..
NGARIMU, Moana Nui a Kiwa. (reg. No. 927).
Second Lieutenant. 28th Battalion. Second New Zealand Expeditionary
Force.
London Gazetted on 4th June 1943.
Born on 7th April 1918 at Sir Apiraia Nata's Village, East New
Zealand.
Killed in action on 27th March 1943 near Tobaga Gap, Tunisia.
Memorial on grave at Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia and at the HQ
of the Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
On the 26/27th March, 1943, Second Lieutenant Ngarimu was in command
of a platoon in an action against a vital hill feature that was
being fiercely held by enemy troops. He was first on the crest
as he led his men in a charge up the hill, personally destroying
two machine-gun posts. Several counter-attacks, by the enemy,
were beaten back as he showed inspired leadership. Twice wounded,
he refused to leave his men and by the following morning only
two of his platoon remained without wounds. Reinforcements arrived
and another counter-attack was launched, during which, Second
Lieutenant Ngarimu was killed.
NICHOLAS, Henry James. (reg No 928).
Private. First Battalion Canterbury Infantry Regiment. New Zealand
Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
Born on 11th June 1891 at Lincoln in New Zealand.
Killed in action on 23rd October 1918 at Vertigneul, France.
Memorial on grave at Vertigneul Churchyard, France and at the
HQ of the Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
Private Nicholas, one of a Lewis gun section, were ordered to
form a defensive flank on the right in the advance. This was subsequently
halted by very heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Private
Nicholas rushed forward alone, his section following at an interval
of 25 yards. He shot a German officer commanding a strong point,
overcoming the remainder of the 16 in the garrison by means of
bombs and bayonets. He captured a machine gun and four wounded
prisoners. The enemy post was captured almost single-handed, resulting
in the saving of many casualties. When the advance's limit was
reached, Private Nicholas, under extremely heavy fire from machine-guns
and rifles, collected ammunition.
Additional information:. Private H J Nicholas, who also held the
Military Medal (MM), was promoted to Sergeant. He was later killed
in action at Vertigneul .
NICHOLLS, Harry. (reg No. 929).
Lance-Corporal. 3rd Battalion. Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 30th July 1940.
Born on 21st April 1918 at Nottingham.
Died on 11th September 1975 at Leeds in Yorkshire.
Memorial on grave at Southern Cemetery, Nottingham.
Digest of Citation reads:
Close to the River Escaut in Belgium, Lance-Corporal Nicholls,
on 21st May 1940, continued to lead the section, although wounded
in the arm by shrapnel, in a counter-attack against superior enemy
opposition. In the advance over a ridge, the situation became
critical. Rushing forward, he put three German machine guns out
of action. He continued his attack, over a second ridge, against
a massed enemy infantry, until all his ammunition had gone. He
was wounded around four times but refused to stop until all his
effort was spent. He was then taken prisoner.
Additional information:. Lance-Corporal Nicholls was reported
"missing believed killed. three" His Victoria Cross
was the first one of the war to be Gazetted. (The first person
to win the Victoria Cross was Lieutenant Annand. Reg No. 34)
Lance-Corporal Nicholls was presented with the Victoria Cross
ribbon by the German commandant of the POWs camp in Poland.
NICKERSON, William Henry Snyder. (reg No. 930).
Lieutenant. Royal Army Medical Corps. *
London Gazetted on 12th February 1901.
Born on 27th March 1875 at Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada.
Died on 10th April 1954 at Cour, Kintyre, Scotland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:.
At Wakkerstroom, South Africa, Lieutenant Nickerson, during the
infantry advance in support of the mountain troops, went under
heavy shell and rifle fire and attended to a wounded soldier.
After dressing his wounds, he remained with him until they were
able to take him to a place of safety.
* (attached to the Mounted Infantry).
Additional information:. Major-General Nickerson was created Companion
of the Order of the Bath (CB) and a Companion of the Order of
St Michael and St George (CMG). He saw further service in the
European War (WW I) between 1914 -18. From 1925-33 he was the
Honorary Surgeon to his Majesty King George V, during which time
he was also Director of Medical Services in India. From 1933 -
45 he was Commandant of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
NICOLSON, Eric James Brindley (Reg No.931)
Flight Lieutenant (later Wing Commander) Royal Air Force 249
Squadron.
VC London Gazetted on 15th November 1940
Born on: 29th April 1917 at Hampstead, London.
Died on: 2nd May 1945 at the Bay of Bengal.
Memorial at: The Singapore Memorial.
VCs Medal's Custodian is the RAF Museum, Hendon, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16 August 1940 near Southampton, Flight lieutenant Nicolson's
Hurricane was fired on by a Messerschmitt 110, injuring the pilot
in one eye and one foot. His engine was also damaged and the petrol
tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine
he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the
bucket seat, pressed the firing button comtinuing firing until
the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did
he bale out., and when he landed in a field , he was unable to
release his parachute owing to his badly burned hands.
Additional information: He was the only fighter pilot to receive
the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. He also was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross
NOBLE, Cecil Reginald. (reg No. 932).
Acting Corporal. Rifle Brigade *
London Gazetted on 20th April 1915.
Born on the 4th June 1891 at Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Died of his wounds on 13th March 1915 at Longuenesse, France.
Memorial on grave at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery France and
on the Rifle Brigade Memorial in Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:.
When the advance of the Battalion was held up by barbed-wire
entanglements and heavy machine-gun fire on 12th March 1915 at
Neuve Chapelle, France, Corporal Noble and Company Sergeant-Major
DANIELS (reg No. 301) rushed to the fore and successfully cut
away through the entanglements. They were both wounded and Corporal
Noble died of his injuries the following day.
NORMAN, William. (reg No. 933).
Private. 7th Regiment *
London Gazetted on 24th February, 1857.
Born in 1832 at Warrington, Lancashire.
Died on 13th March 1896 at Salford, Lancashire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
Private Norman was on sentry duty alone in the White Horse Ravine,
in the Crimea. some distance in front of an outlying Russian picquet,
posted some 300 yards to his front. For the purpose of reconnoitring,
three Russian soldiers had advanced under the cover of a brushwood.
Single-handedly,without giving the alarm to the Russian picquet,
Private NORMAN took two of them prisoner.
* Royal Fusiliers.
Additional information:. Private Norman was on parade on Hyde
Park on 26th June 1857 when Queen Victoria made her first presentation
of the Victoria Cross to the heroes of the Crimea.
NORTON, Gerard Ross. (reg No. 934).
Lieutenant. Kaffrarian Rifles. South African Forces *
Gazetted on 26th October 1944.
Born on 7th September 1915 at Hershel, Cape Province, South Africa.
Digest of Citation:
During the attack on Monte Gidolfo, Italy on 31st August 1944,
heavy fire was pinning down Lieutenant Norton's Platoon. Advancing
alone, on his own initiative, he attacked the first machine gun
emplacement with complete disregard for his own safety, he killed
the three man crew. He continued on to the second position which
contained two machine guns and 15 Riflemen. He wiped out both
machine-gun nests, killing some of the enemy and taking prisoner
the remainder of the emplacement. Throughout his action he was
cool whilst under constant fire from a self-propelled gun. He
continued on, leading his platoon against the remaining enemy
opposition.
* attached to the 1st/4th Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment.
Additional information:. Captain Norton also held the Military
Medal. (MM)
NORWOOD, John. (reg No. 935).
Second Lieutenant. 5th Dragoon Guards *
London Gazetted on 20th July 1900.
Born on 8th September 1876 at Beckenham, Kent.
Killed in action on 8th September 1914 at Sablonnieres, France.
Memorial on grave at Sablonnieres New Communal Cemetery, France,
also in St Wilfred's Church, Haywards Heath Sussex; On the War
Memorial at Frinton-on-Sea, Essex and on the 5th Dragoon Guards
Memorial at Aldershot.
Digest of Citation reads:
on 30th October 1899 Lieutenant Norwood left Ladysmith in charge
of a small Patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards. The Patrol came under
heavy fire from a ridge where the enemy was situated in great
force. The Patrol which had arrived were only 600 yards away when
the firing started. They retired at full speed. One of the Patrol
had fallen and Lieutenant Norwood galloped back approximately
300 yards, all the time under heavy fire, dismounted and taking
up the trooper, he carried him on his back , leading his horse
with one hand. The enemy were firing continuously during the whole
of his rescue of the Trooper, not stopping until he was out their
range.
* Princess Charlotte of Wales' Dragoon Guards.
Additional information:. Captain Norwood was the son of J. Norwood
Esquire of Pembrey Lodge, Beckenham. He was educated at Abbey
School, Beckenham then Rugby and at Oxford. He entered his regiment
8th February 1899, serving with them in the Boer War until 1900.
On the 1st February 1911 he joined the Reserve of Officers. As
Captain of the 2nd County of London Yeomanry, attached to the
5th Dragoon Guards, he served in the European War. (WWI). He was
killed in action on 8th September 1914.
NUNNEY, Claude Joseph Patrick. (reg No. 936).
Private. 38th Battalion. Eastern Ontario Regiment * Canadian
Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 14th December, 1918.
Born on 24th December 1892 at Hastings, Sussex.
Died, of his wounds, on 18th September 1918 at Vis-en Artois,
France.
Memorial on grave at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
For most conspicuous bravery on the 1st and 2nd September 1918
during operations against the Drocourt-Quéant line. When
his battalion was in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, France, preparatory
to the advance, the Germans laid down a barrage and counter-attacked.
Private Nunney, at this point in time, was at company headquarters.
On his own initiative he immediately proceeded through the barrage
to the company's outpost lines. Making his way from post to post
and giving encouragement to the men by his own fearless example
the enemy were repulsed and a critical situation was saved. On
the 2nd September, during the attack, his dash placed him continually
well in advance of his comrades. His example of showing no fear
was undoubtedly a great factor in helping the company on its way
forwards to the objectives. Throughout the action he showed the
highest degree of Valour. He was severely wounded and died of
his wounds on 18th September 1918.
Additional information:. Private Nunney also held the Distinguished
Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Military Medal.
NURSE, George Edward. (Reg No. 937).
Corporal. 66th Battery. Royal Field Artillery.
London Gazetted on the 2nd February 1900.
Born on 14th April 1873 at Enniskillen, Ireland.
Died on the 25th November, 1945 at Liverpool, Lancashire.
Memorial on grave at Allerton Cemetery, Liverpool.
Digest of Citation reads:
At the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, on 15th December 1899,
when the detachments who had been serving the guns had either
been killed, wounded or had been driven away from their guns by
enemy infantry fire, Corporal Nurse and several others tried to
save the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries. The intervening
space between the guns and where some are of the horces and drivers,
who were still alive, were sheltering, a distance of 500 yards,
was swept by a rifle and shellfire. Corporal Nurse, along with
three officers, Captain W N CONGREVE ( reg No. 241) of the Rifle
Brigade, Lieutenant F H S ROBERTS (reg No. 1060), who fell wounded
and Captain H N SCHOFIELD (reg No. 1114) helped to harness a team
to a limber and then line up a gun. Corporal Nurse, alone, managed
to limber up a second gun.
Additional information:. Second Lieutenant Nurse was the son of
Charles and Jane Nurse, of the Cobo Hotel, Guernsey. He had a
higher class education course at Chamberlain Academy, Guernsey
before enlisting at St George's Barracks, London, in the Royal
Artillery. In December 1899 he embarked for South Africa. Under
General Hildyard, Brigade Commander he served through all four
colonies, including Tugela, Durban, and the relief of Mafeking.
He was married to Kathleen and they had one son, Charles T. Colenso
Nurse.
His promotion to Second Lieutenant was Gazetted on 23rd September
1915.
Updated:24.3.03