Percy Valentine Storkey
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Percy Valentine Storkey VC (7 December 1891-3 October 1969) 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 24 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 19th Bn. (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 7 April 1918 at Hangard Wood, France, Lieutenant Storkey, together with another officer and ten other ranks, charged an enemy position containing 80 to 100 men, driving them out, killing and wounding about 30 and capturing three officers and 50 men, also one machine-gun. Lieutenant Storkey's courage and initiative, together with his skilful method of attack against such heavy odds, removed a dangerous obstacle and inspired the remainder of the troops.
There seems to be some confusion over whether Percy Storkey should appear under the Australian or New Zealand winners. He later achieved the rank of Captain.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum (Waiouru, New Zealand).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Middlesex)
- New Zealand Troops who have won the Victoria Cross (brief biography details)
