John Moyney
Lance-Sergeant, 2nd Battalion. Irish Guards
- Register No.
- 895 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Lance-Sergeant all Lance-Sergeants →
- Unit
- 2nd Battalion. Irish Guards all Irish Guards VCs →
- Date of action
- 12–13 September 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 17th October 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Born
- 8th January 1885 at Rathdowney, Queen's County, Ireland
- Died
- the 10th November 1980 at Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland
- Memorial / grave
- not known
Digest of citation
Whilst in command of 15 men, forming two advanced posts on the 12th/13th September, 1917, near Broembeek, Belgium, Sergeant Moyney, held his post for 96 hours, all the time surrounded by the enemy. A large force of Germans were sent to drive him from his post on the morning of the 5th day. Seizing the initiative, he ordered his men from their shell holes to attack the oncoming force with bombs, whilst he used a Lewis gun, from the flank, with devastating effect. Finding himself surrounded by a force superior in numbers, he led his men in a charge back through the enemy until they reached a stream that ran between the two posts. Instructing the party to cross at once, Sergeant Moyney and Private Woodcock stayed in that position, allowing them to retire safely. When all his party was safe on the opposite side. he then crossed the stream himself, under a shower of enemy bombs. It was due to the courage and initiative of this NCO that he was able to bring his entire party safely out of action
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
MOYNEY, John. (reg No. 895).
Lance-Sergeant. 2nd Battalion. Irish Guards.
London Gazetted on 17th October 1917.
Born on 8th January 1885 at Rathdowney, Queen's County, Ireland.
Died on the 10th November 1980 at Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads: Whilst in command of 15 men, forming two advanced posts on the 12th/13th September, 1917, near Broembeek, Belgium, Sergeant Moyney, held his post for 96 hours, all the time surrounded by the enemy. A large force of Germans were sent to drive him from his post on the morning of the 5th day. Seizing the initiative, he ordered his men from their shell holes to attack the oncoming force with bombs, whilst he used a Lewis gun, from the flank, with devastating effect. Finding himself surrounded by a force superior in numbers, he led his men in a charge back through the enemy until they reached a stream that ran between the two posts. Instructing the party to cross at once, Sergeant Moyney and Private Woodcock stayed in that position, allowing them to retire safely. When all his party was safe on the opposite side. he then crossed the stream himself, under a shower of enemy bombs. It was due to the courage and initiative of this NCO that he was able to bring his entire party safely out of action.
Additional information:. He was the son of James and Bridget Moyney. He was married to Bridget and they had a child named Mary. He joined the army as a private in the Irish Guards on 6th April 1915. Private Moyney went to France on 5th October 1915, promoted to Lance-Corporal 20th December 1915, promoted Lance Sergeant 8th October 1916 and Sergeant on 27th September 1917.
Additional information
He was the son of James and Bridget Moyney He was married to Bridget and they had a child named Mary. He joined the army as a private in the Irish Guards on 6th April 1915. Private Moyney went to France on 5th October 1915, promoted to Lance-Corporal 20th December 1915, promoted Lance Sergeant 8th October 1916 and Sergeant on 27th September 1917.
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Alf recorded the memorial as: not known
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