John Molyneux
Sergeant, 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers
- Register No.
- 880 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Sergeant all Sergeants →
- Unit
- 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers all Royal Fusiliers VCs →
- Date of action
- 9 October 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 26th November, 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Born
- the 22nd November, 1890 at Peasley Cross, St Helens, Lancashire
- Died
- 25th March 1972 at St Helens, Lancashire
- Memorial / grave
- not known
Digest of citation
The attack was held up by machine-gun fire at Langemarck, Belgium, on 9th October 1917, causing several casualties. In order to clear the trench in front of a house, Sergeant Molyneux quickly organised a bombing party, killing many of the enemy and capturing a machine-gun. Jumping over the trench, he called for someone to follow him, Sergeant Molyneux then rushed for the house, but by the time the party arrived in support, he was involved in a hand to hand fight. This only lasted a short while, the enemy surrendering. Around 20 to 30 prisoners were captured: not counting the dead and wounded
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
MOLYNEUX, John. (reg No. 880).
Sergeant. 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 26th November, 1917.
Born on the 22nd November, 1890 at Peasley Cross, St Helens, Lancashire.
Died on 25th March 1972 at St Helens, Lancashire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:. The attack was held up by machine-gun fire at Langemarck, Belgium, on 9th October 1917, causing several casualties. In order to clear the trench in front of a house, Sergeant Molyneux quickly organised a bombing party, killing many of the enemy and capturing a machine-gun. Jumping over the trench, he called for someone to follow him, Sergeant Molyneux then rushed for the house, but by the time the party arrived in support, he was involved in a hand to hand fight. This only lasted a short while, the enemy surrendering. Around 20 to 30 prisoners were captured: not counting the dead and wounded.
Additional information:. Sergeant Molyneux also hold the Belgian Croix de Guerre. He was married, his wife's name being Mary Agnes. He received the Victoria Cross from King George V on the 12th December 1917. After his leave, he returned to rejoin his regiment, remaining with them until his demobilisation on 5th January..
Additional information
Sergeant Molyneux also hold the Belgian Croix de Guerre. He was married, his wife's name being Mary Agnes. He received the Victoria Cross from King George V on the 12th December 1917. After his leave, he returned to rejoin his regiment, remaining with them until his demobilisation on 5th January..
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: not known
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