Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Pte. John Cunningham VC.
British Army 2nd Btn. Leinster Regiment
from:Thurles, Co. Tipperary
(d.16th April 1917)
John Cunningham died of wounds on the 16th of April 1917, aged 29 and buried in the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension in France. He was the son of Johanna and the late Joseph Cunningham, of Stradavoher St., Thurles, Co. Tipperary. The second son lost to a widowed mother in the war.
An extract taken from The London Gazette, dated 8th June, 1917 records the following: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty 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 N.C.O. cleared up a most critical situation on the left flank of the attack. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of his wounds."
