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Lance-Corporal O Leary wins a Victoria Cross
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Lance-Corporal O Leary wins a Victoria Cross
Irish soldier Michael John O Leary outstrips the rest of his assault party at great speed and reaches a German barricade, killing all five of a machine gun crew before they have a chance to turn their gun on the advance by the Irish Guards. He followed that by immediately charging and taking a second machine gun position, killing three soldiers and capturing another two. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted to Sergeant. Date: 1 February 1915
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Media ID 14168082
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Barricade Bravery Charge Corporal Courage Fortunino Guards Heroic Lance Leary Matania Medal Oleary Sergeant
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This evocative photograph captures the moment of bravery and heroism displayed by Lance-Corporal Michael John O'Leary of the Irish Guards during the early days of the First World War. On 1 February 1915, as the British forces advanced against the German trenches near Neuve-Chapelle in France, O'Leary outpaced his assault party and reached a formidable German barricade before the enemy could react. With unyielding courage, he single-handedly eliminated the five-man machine gun crew manning the position, preventing them from inflicting devastating casualties on the advancing Irish Guards. Undeterred, O'Leary immediately charged towards a second machine gun position, displaying extraordinary bravery and courage. He killed three soldiers and captured two more, demonstrating his unwavering determination and quick thinking in the face of enemy fire. For his exceptional valor and selflessness, Lance-Corporal O'Leary was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant. This powerful image, created by renowned war artist Fortunino Matania, is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary acts of heroism and bravery displayed by soldiers during the First World War. The photograph captures the raw emotion and intensity of the battlefield, as well as the unwavering determination and courage of the soldiers who fought to protect their country.
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