5 replies to this topic

[arjaaich]

Hello chums i am trying to help out a friend that would like to know more about John Moyney,Who apparently won his V.C.At Ney Copse,Broenbeek,Belgium.On 12-13 September 1917.Died on 10 November 1980.In Roscrea,Co Tipperary.Hoping this is enough info to get an answer.Regards Ray

[HERITAGE PLUS]

Ray

Lance Sgt. John Moyney, 2nd.Batt.Irish Guards

12-13 September 1917

At Ney Copse, Broembeck, Belgium, he was in command of 15 men forming 2 advanced posts surrounded by the enemy. Despite having no water and little food, he held his post for 96 hours. On the fifth day, as a large enemey force advanced, his men attacked the enemy with bombs whilst he opened up with a Lewis gun from a flank. He then led a charge through the enemy and reached a stream which he instructed his party to cross while Private Woodcock covered their retirement. Moyney was thus able to bring his entire force safely out of the action.

Woodcock only retired himself when the enemy were only yards away. After crossing the stream he heard cries for help so he waded back into the water and rescued a stranded comrade, who he carried to safety under heavy machine gun fire. Woodcock was awarded the VC for this action.

Dave

[jay dubaya]

His medals are on display at the Irish Guards RHQ, Wellington Barracks, London.

Surely a rare occasion when two men of the same unit both win VCs for the same action. Woodcock was an Englishman from Wigan and was KiA 27th March 1918
 Irish_guards_reunion1962_VC_Moyney.jpg   78.95K   3 downloads
'Jack' at the IGs reunion in 1962

cheers, Jon

[arjaaich]

Hi again thanks for that information Jon & Dave,my friend will be over the moon to have found out about John,who by the way comes from the same village in Ireland.Many many thanks, Kind Regards
Ray.

[michaeljames]

Hi again thanks for that information Jon & Dave,my friend will be over the moon to have found out about John,who by the way comes from the same village in Ireland.Many many thanks, Kind Regards
Ray.

in reply to your enquiry john moyney is my great uncle'my names michael moyney.who is your friend that comes from rathdowney'their is a chance that i know them,yours faithfully;
                                                                  michael moyney

[per ardua per mare per terram]

Surely a rare occasion when two men of the same unit both win VCs for the same action.

Except for Nery, Le Cateau, Rorke's Drift ...