John McNamara (VC)

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.

John McNamara
Born(1887-10-28)28 October 1887
Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire
Died16 October 1918(1918-10-16) (aged 30)
Solesmes, France
Buried
Romries Communal Cemetery Extension
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankCorporal
UnitThe East Surrey Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War I †
Awards Victoria Cross

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.[1]

He was killed in action near Solesmes, France, on 16 October 1918.[2]

In 2018 a plaque was unveiled in the John McNamara Gardens in the centre of Bamber Bridge, less than half a mile from where he was born. Three generations of his family, Politicians, soldiers and priests all stood in tribute to Cpl John McNamara, 100 years on from the courageous act which earned him South Ribble’s only Victoria Cross.

The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Museum, in Clandon Park, Surrey.[3]

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References
  1. "No. 31340". The London Gazette. 15 May 1919. p. 6085.
  2. "CWGC entry". Retrieved January 15, 2013.
  3. "The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment". Retrieved January 15, 2013.
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