Percy Herbert Cherry
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Percy Herbert Cherry VC, MC (June 4, 1895- March 27, 1917) was an Australian 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.
He was 21 years old, and a Captain in the 26th Battalion (Q. and T.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 26 March 1917 at Lagnicourt, France, Captain Cherry was commanding a company detailed to storm and clear a village. After all the other officers of the company had become casualties, he carried on in the face of fierce opposition and cleared the village of the enemy. Having done this, he beat off most resolute and heavy counter-attacks. He was wounded early next morning, but refused to leave his post and remained, encouraging his men to hold out at all costs, until in the afternoon he was killed by an enemy shell.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.
[edit] External links
- CHERRY P.H.
- Captain P.H. Cherry (photo, brief details)
- Find-A-Grave profile for Percy Herbert Cherry
