Lawrence Dominic McCarthy

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Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC (21 January 1892- 25 May 1975) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 26 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 16th Battalion (S.A. & W.A.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 August 1918, near Madam Wood, east of Vermandovillers, France, the battalion was heavily opposed by well-posted machine-guns. Lieutenant McCarthy, realizing the situation, dashed across the open ground with two men to the nearest post, where, having out-distanced his companions, he put the gun out of action, then continued fighting his way down the trench. Later, having been joined by one of his men, together they bombed their way along the trench until contact was established with an adjoining unit. During this action Lieutenant McCarthy had killed 22 of the enemy, taken 50 prisoners and captured 5 machine-guns. He had previously been awarded the French Croix de Guerre in 1917.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).