Personal info
- Name: Sidney James DAY
- D.O.B: 3rd Jul, 1891
- D.O.A: 27th Aug, 1917
- D.O.D: 17th Jul, 1959
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Corporal, 11th Battalion The Suffolk Regiment
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Malakoff Farm, near Hargicourt, France 26 August 1917
26 August 1917
The First World War 1917
On 26 August 1917, British forces attacked German positions at Hargicourt, south of Épehy and about eight miles north of St Quentin.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery. Cpl. Day was in command of a bombing section detailed to clear a maze of trenches still held by the enemy; this he did, killing two machine gunners and taking four prisoners. On reaching a point where the trench had been levelled, he went alone and bombed his way through to the left, in order to gain touch with the neighbouring troops. Immediately on his return to his section a stick bomb fell into a trench occupied by two officers (one badly wounded) and three other ranks. Cpl. Day seized the bomb and threw it over the trench, where it immediately exploded. This prompt action undoubtedly saved the lives of those in the trench. He afterwards completed the clearing of the trench, and, establishing himself in an advanced position, remained for sixty-six hours at his post, which came under intense hostile shell and rifle grenade fire. Throughout the whole operations his conduct was an inspiration to all.