William Cosgrove VC

Name: William Cosgrove

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: August 23, 1915

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Ballinookera, near Aghada, Co Cork, Ireland/October 1, 1888

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Corporal (later Staff Sergeant)

Date of bravery: April 26, 1915

London Gazette citation:

No. 8980 Corporal William Cosgrove, 1st Battalion, The Royal Munster Fusiliers.

For most conspicuous bravery in the leading of his section with great dash during our attack from the beach to the east of Cape Helles, on the Turkish positions, on 26th April, 1915.

Corporal Cosgrove on this occasion pulled down the posts of the enemy’s high wire entanglements single-handed, notwithstanding a terrific fire from both front and flanks, thereby greatly contributing to the successful clearing of the heights.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: MSM

Place/date of death: Millbank, London/July 14, 1936

Grave/memorials: Upper Aghada Cemetery, Co Cork, Ireland

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Dix Noonan Webb, London, 2006

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