Geoffrey Cather
Geoffrey St George Shillington Cather | |
---|---|
Streatham Hill, London, England | |
Died | 2 July 1916 Beaumont-Hamel, France | (aged 25)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | British Army |
Years of service | 1914–1916 † |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | 9th Battalion, The Royal Irish Fusiliers |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Geoffrey St. George Shillington Cather
Early life
Cather was born in
First World War
On 3 September 1914, Cather enlisted in the British Army's Artists Rifles. He already had some military experience, having served for two years in the Territorial Force with the 19th Royal Fusiliers from 1909 to early 1911. The following May, he requested a transfer to the Royal Irish Fusiliers on account of his parents both being from Northern Ireland. He was accordingly granted a commission in the 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, which was part of the 36th (Ulster) Division.[1]
Sent to the French sector of the
For most conspicuous bravery. From 7 p.m. till midnight he searched 'No Man's Land', and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later. Finally, at 10.30 a.m., he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.
— The London Gazette, 9 September 1916[5]
Originally buried near where he was killed, Cather's grave was later lost. His name is listed on the
Victoria Cross
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f Gliddon 2011, pp. 23–25.
- ^ Edgar 2014, pp. 238–239.
- ^ Gliddon 2011, pp. 22–23.
- ^ Ashcroft 2007, pp. 8–10.
- ^ "No. 29740". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 September 1916. p. 8869.
- ^ "Cather, Geoffrey". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
References
- Ashcroft, Michael (2007) [2006]. Victoria Cross Heroes. London, United Kingdom: Headline Review. ISBN 978-0-7553-1633-5.
- Edgar, Richard (2014). A Call to Arms: Portadown and the Great War. Portadown: Richard Edgar. ISBN 978-1-291-85588-3.
- Gliddon, Gerald (2011) [1991]. Somme 1916. ISBN 978-0-7524-6303-2.