John Moyney

John Moyney
VC
Born 8 January 1895
Rathdowney, County Laois
Died 10 November 1980(1980-11-10) (aged 85)
Roscrea, County Tipperary
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards
Battles/wars

World War I

Awards Victoria Cross

John Moyney VC (8 January 1895 – 10 November 1980) was an Irish 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.

Military career

John Moyney was born in Rathdowney, Queen's County, Ireland. He was 22 years old, and a lance-sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broenbeek, Belgium, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in command of 15 men forming two advanced posts. Surrounded by the enemy he held his post for 96 hours, having no water and very little food. On the fifth day, on the enemy advancing to dislodge him, he attacked them with bombs, while also using his Lewis gun with great effect. Finding himself surrounded, he led his men in a charge through the enemy and reached a stream, where he and a private (Thomas Woodcock) covered his party while they crossed unscathed, before crossing themselves under a shower of bullets.[1]

Gravestone of Jack Moyney V.C. in St. Cronan's Cemetery in Roscrea

Moyney later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died in Roscrea, County Tipperary on 10 November 1980. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Guards Regimental Headquarters (Irish Guards RHQ), Wellington Barracks, London.

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30338. p. 10678. 16 October 1917. Retrieved 29 April 2015.

Listed in order of publication year

External links

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