Personal info
- Name: Percy Valentine STORKEY
- D.O.B: 9th Sep, 1893
- D.O.A: 7th Apr, 1918
- D.O.D: 3rd Oct, 1969
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lieutenant, 19th Battalion (NSW), 5th Brigade, 2nd Division, Australian Imperial Force
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Bois de Hangard, France 7 April 1918
7 April 1918
The First World War 1918
When the first phase of the German Spring offensive ended on 5 April 1918, the German line was just to the east of Villers-Bretonneux on the Amiens to St Quentin road. The British did not have the resources for a major counter-attack but harassed the enemy by mounting a series of minor actions. Between Villers-Bretonneux and Hangard to the south lay the Bois de Hangard. On 7 April 1918 two companies from 19th and 20th Battalions, 5th Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, were ordered to clear the wood of the enemy and attack their positions on the far side. They inflicted a great number of casualties on the Germans and took fifty of them prisoner before pulling back.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and devotion to duty when in charge of a platoon in attack. On emerging from the wood the enemy trench line was encountered and Lt. Storkey found himself with six men. While continuing his move forward a large enemy party – about 80 to 100 strong – armed with several machine guns, was noticed to be holding up the advance of the troops on the right. Lt. Storkey immediately decided to attack this party from the flank and rear, and while moving forward in the attack was joined by Lt. Lipscomb and four men. Under the leadership of Lt. Storkey, this small party of two officers and ten other ranks charged the enemy position with fixed bayonets, driving the enemy out, killing and wounding about thirty, and capturing three officers and fifty men, also one machine gun. The splendid courage shown by this officer in quickly deciding his course of action, and his skilful method of attacking against such great odds, removed a dangerous obstacle to the advance of the troops on the right, and inspired the remainder of our small party with the utmost confidence when advancing to the objective line.