Corporal JOHN McNAMARA
East Surrey Regiment
9th Bn.
Died 16 October 1918
Age 29 years old
Photographer: Bill Caudwell
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of John and Margaret McNamara; husband of Mary Ann Mitchell (formerly McNamara), of 82, Stone Row, School Lane, Preston.
- Personal Inscription THY WILL BE DONE
- Additional Citation note
An extract from the London Gazette, dated 12th Nov., 1918, records the following:-"For conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty. When operating a telephone in evacuated enemy trenches occupied by his battalion, Cpl. McNamara realised that a determined enemy counter-attack was gaining ground. Rushing to join the nearest post, he made the most effective use of a revolver taken from a wounded officer. Then seizing a Lewis gun he continued to fire it till it jammed. By this time he was alone in the post. Having destroyed his telephone, he joined the nearest post, and again displayed great courage and initiative in maintaining Lewis gun fire until reinforcements arrived. It was undoubtedly due to the magnificent courage and determination of Pte. McNamara that the other posts were enabled to hold on, and his fine example of devotion is worthy of the highest praise."
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