George Julian Howell

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George Julian "Snowy" Howell VC, MM (23 November 1893 -23 December 1964) 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 23 years old, and a corporal in the 1st Battalion, (N.S.W), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 6 May 1917, near Bullecourt, France, seeing that a party of the enemy were likely to outflank his battalion, Corporal Howell, on his own initiative and exposed to heavy bomb and rifle fire, climbed to the top of the parapet and bombed the enemy, pressing them back along the trench. When his stock of bombs was exhausted, he continued the attack with his bayonet, but was then severely wounded. This prompt and gallant action was seen by the whole battalion and inspired them in the subsequent successful counter-attack.

He later achieved the rank of Staff-Sergeant.

[edit] External links

• HOWELL G.J.
• Corporal George Howell (photo, brief details)