Personal info
- Name: Gabriel George COURY
- D.O.B: 13th Jun, 1896
- D.O.A: 8th Aug, 1916
- D.O.D: 23rd Feb, 1956
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion The South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers) attached to 1st 4th Battalion (TF), 164th Brigade, 55th (West Lancs) Division
Guillemont, France 8 and 9 August 1916
8 and 9 August 1916
The First World War 1916
Having attacked Guillemont on 30 July 1916, the British mounted a further attack on 8 August and some ground was gained. Apart from the gallantry he displayed during this action, Second Lieutenant G G Coury also rescued the wounded CO of the 4th Battalion King’s Own Border Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel J L Swainson DSO, though Swainson died shortly afterwards. As the attack on the 8th was only partially successful, 1/10th Battalion (Scottish) The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, which had been held in reserve, took part in a further assault the following day. Captain N G Chavasse, Royal Army Medical Corps, was awarded a Victoria Cross for his gallantry during this action. Two of Chavasse’s stretcherbearers were awarded the DSM and two more the Military Medal. Chavasse was awarded a second VC for his actions in 1917 (qv). Guillemont was not finally taken until 3 September 1916.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery. During an advance he was in command of two platoons ordered to dig a communication trench from the old firing line to the position won. By his fine example and utter contempt of danger he kept up the spirits of his men and completed his task under intense fire. Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the Commanding Officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight and in full view of the enemy, found his Commanding Officer, and brought him back to the new advanced trench over ground swept by machine gun fire. He not only carried out his original task, and saved his Commanding Officer, but also assisted in rallying the attacking troops when they were shaken and in leading them forward.
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