Corporal JOHN CUNNINGHAM

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 severly. Although wounded he succeeded almost alone in reaching his objective with his gun, which he got into action in spite of much oppositon. When counter-attacked by a party of twenty of the enermy he exhausted his ammuntion 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."