Bernard Matthew Cassidy VC

Name: Bernard Matthew Cassidy

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: May 3, 1918

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Canning Town, London/August 17, 1892

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Second Lieutenant

Date of bravery: March 28, 1918

London Gazette citation:

2nd Lt. Bernard Matthew Cassidy, late Lan. Fus.

For most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, and exceptional devotion to duty during an hostile attack.

At a time when the flank of the division was in danger, Lt. Cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion, which was in close support. He was given orders prior to the attack that he must hold on to his position to the last. He most nobly carried this out to the letter. The enemy came on in overwhelming numbers and endeavoured to turn the flank. He, however, continually rallied his men under a terrific bombardment. The enemy were several times cleared out of the trench by his personal leadership. His company was eventually surrounded, but Lt. Cassidy still fought on, encouraging and exhorting his men until he was eventually killed. By his most gallant conduct the whole attack was held up at this point and the left flank was undoubtedly saved from what might have been a disaster.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Fampoux, Arras, France/March 28, 1918

Grave/memorials: Faubourg-d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2002

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum