Personal info
- Name: John (Jock) Alexander CHRISTIE
- D.O.B: 14th May, 1895
- D.O.A: 22nd Dec, 1917
- D.O.D: 10th Sep, 1967
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lance Corporal, 1/11th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Finsbury Rifles)
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Bald Hill, Near Fejja, Palestine 21-22 December 1917
21-22 December 1917
The First World War 1917
The port of Jaffa in Palestine had been captured by the British on 17 November 1917 but was still in range of Turkish artillery. After Jerusalem surrendered to the British on 9 December, they determined to push back the Turkish line to free the port from bombardment. In the Battle of Jaffa, 21-22 December 1917, the British crossed the El ’Auja river to the north of Jaffa and drove the Turks out of artillery range. To the south of the river the British line was to run down through Fejja (Fajja), nine miles north-east of the port. During the night of the 21st, the 1/11th (County of London) Battalion London Regiment captured Bald Hill, two miles south-west of Fejja. The Turks made three determined attempts to recapture it. It was one of these attempts which Lance Corporal J A Christie repelled single-handed.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery when after a postion had been captured, the enemy immediately made counter and bombing attacks up communication trenches. L./Cpl. Christie, realising the position, took a supply of bombs over the top, proceeding alone about fifty yards in the open along the communication trench and bombed the enemy. He continued to do this alone in spite of very heavy opposition until a block had been established. Returning towards our lines he heard voices behind him; he at once turned back and bombed another party moving up the trench, entirely breaking up a further bombing attack. By his prompt and effective action he undoubtedly cleared a difficult position at a most critical time and saved many lives. Throughout he was subjected to heavy machine-gun fire and shell fire. He showed the greatest coolness and a total disregard for his own safety.