Lionel Ernest Queripel
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Lionel Ernest Queripel (Winterbourne Monkton, Wiltshire July 13, 1920 - Arnhem, the Netherlands September 19, 1944) was an English 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 24 years old, and a Captain in The Royal Sussex Regiment, British Army, attached 10th Parachute Battalion during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 19 September 1944 at Arnhem, the Netherlands, Captain Queripel displayed the highest standard of gallantry during the whole of a period of nine hours of bitter and confused fighting. Under heavy fire he carried a wounded sergeant to the regimental aid post and was himself wounded in the face. Later, when it became necessary to withdraw he insisted, despite the protests of his men, on remaining behind to cover their withdrawal, armed only with his pistol and a few hand grenades. This was the last occasion on which he was seen.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Airborne Forces Museum (Aldershot, Hampshire, England).
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
[edit] External links
- VC at Arnhem (Arnhem operation details and photos)
- The Arnhem Archive entry for Captain Queripel
