Michael Allmand
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Michael Allmand (1924 - June 23, 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.
[edit] Details
He was 20 years old, and an Acting Captain in the Indian Armoured Corps, British Indian Army, attached to the 6th Gurkha Rifles during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 11 June 1944 in Burma (now Myanmar), Captain Allmand's platoon came under heavy fire when attacking the Pin Hmi Road Bridge, and on being halted by casualties, he charged on alone, killing three of the enemy. Inspired by his example his surviving men followed him and captured the position. Two days later, owing to heavy casualties among the officers, Captain Allmand took command of the company and successfully led his men to seize a ridge of high ground. Again, on 23 June in the final assault on the railway bridge at Mogaung, he went forward alone, but in charging an enemy machine-gun nest, was mortally wounded.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Gurkha Museum (Winchester, 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
- Burial location of Michael Allmand "Burma"
- Location of Michael Allmand's Victoria Cross "Gurkha Museum"
- News Item "Michael Allmand's Victoria Cross donated to the Gurkha Museum"
