Personal info
- Name: Charles POPE
- D.O.B: 5th Mar, 1883
- D.O.A: 15th Apr, 1917
- D.O.D: 15th Apr, 1917
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lieutenant, 11th Battalion (W Australia), 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Australian Imperial Force
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Louverval, France 15 April 1917
15 April 1917
The First World War 1917
In the first half of April 1917, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Australian Imperial Force, had established itself in the villages about half way along the Bapaume-Cambrai road, just in front of the Hindenburg Line. 11th Battalion held a line between Lagnicourt and Louverval, running north-west from the road. On 15 April 1917 four German divisions counter-attacked.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a very important picquet post in the sector held by his battalion, his orders being to hold this post at all costs. After the picquet post had been heavily attacked, the enemy in greatly superior numbers surrounded the post. Lt. Pope, finding that he was running short of ammunition, sent back for further supplies. But the situation culminated before it could arrive, and in the hope of saving the position, this very gallant Officer was seen to charge with his picquet into a superior force, by which it was overpowered. By his sacrifice Lt. Pope not only inflicted heavy loss on the enemy, but obeyed his order to hold the position to the last. His body, together with those of most of his men, was found in close proximity to eighty enemy dead – a sure proof of the gallant resistance which had been made.
Extra Information
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