William Frederick McFadzean
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William Frederick McFadzean (born October 9, 1895 - died July 1, 1916) was born in Lurgan, County Armagh and hence was an Irish 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 20 years old, and a private in the 14th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
(It should be noted that in the vernacular of the time a "bomb" was a grenade, and a "bomber" was a grenadier).
- On 1 July 1916, near Thiepval Wood, France, in a concentration trench, a box of bombs being opened for distribution prior to an attack slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private McFadzean, instantly realizing the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the bombs, which exploded, blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew the danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment's hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.
William's father, (also called William) was presented with his son's VC by King George V at a ceremony held in Buckingham Palace, London on February 28, 1917, having been granted a third-class return ticket from Cregagh, Belfast.
[edit] References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Royal Ulster Rifles Museum (Belfast, Northern Ireland).
[edit] Further information
Private McFadzean has been immortalised in song, which is still sung to this day in Ulster:
Let me tell you a story of honour and glory
Of a young Lurgan soldier Billy McFadzean by name
For King and for Country Young Billy died bravely
And won the VC on the fields of the Somme
Gone Like the snowflake that melts on the river
Gone like the first rays of days early dawn
Like the foam from the fountain
Like the mist from the mountain
Young Billy McFadzean’s dear life has gone
Now Billy lies only were the red Flanders poppy
In wildest profusion paints the field of the brave
No piper recalling his deeds all forgotten
For Billy McFadzean has no known grave
Chorus
So let us remember that brave Ulster soldier
The VC he won the young life that he gave
For duty demanding his courage outstanding
Private Billy McFadzean of the U.V.F.
[edit] External links
- William McFadzean - War Hero - BBC Northern Ireland with photos and some further information
