Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30122, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30122/supplements/5704. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 8916 Corporal John Cunningham, late 2nd Battalion, Leinster Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, on 12th April 1917 at Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France, when in command of a Lewis Gun Section on the most exposed flank of the attack. His section came under heavy enfilade fire and suffered severely. Although wounded, he succeeded almost alone in reaching his objective with his gun, which he got into action in spite of much opposition. When counter-attacked by a party of twenty of the enemy, he exhausted his ammunition against them, then, standing in full view, he commenced throwing bombs. He was wounded again, and fell, but picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until his bombs were exhausted. He then made his way back to our lines with a fractured arm and other wounds. There is little doubt that the superb courage of this Non-commissioned Officer cleared up a most critical situation on the left flank of the attack. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of his wounds.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30122, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30122/supplements/5704. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 8916 Corporal John Cunningham, late 2nd Battalion, Leinster Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, on 12th April 1917 at Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France, when in command of a Lewis Gun Section on the most exposed flank of the attack. His section came under heavy enfilade fire and suffered severely. Although wounded, he succeeded almost alone in reaching his objective with his gun, which he got into action in spite of much opposition. When counter-attacked by a party of twenty of the enemy, he exhausted his ammunition against them, then, standing in full view, he commenced throwing bombs. He was wounded again, and fell, but picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until his bombs were exhausted. He then made his way back to our lines with a fractured arm and other wounds. There is little doubt that the superb courage of this Non-commissioned Officer cleared up a most critical situation on the left flank of the attack. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of his wounds.