Martin Joseph Moffat VC

Name: Martin Joseph Moffat

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: December 26, 1918

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Sligo, Co Sligo, Ireland/April 15, 1884

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Private

Date of bravery: October 14, 1918

London Gazette citation:

No. 18321 Pte. Martin Moffat, 2nd Bn., Leins. R. (Sligo).

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 14th October, 1918, near Ledeghem, when, advancing with five comrades across the open, the party suddenly came under heavy rifle fire at close range from a strongly held house.

Rushing towards the house through a hail of bullets, Pte. Moffat threw bombs, and then, working to the back of the house, rushed the door single-handed, killing two and capturing thirty of the enemy. He displayed the greatest valour and initiative throughout.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Sligo, Co Sligo, Ireland/January 5, 1946

Grave/memorials: Sligo Cemetery, Co Sligo, Ireland

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Christie’s, London, 1991

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