William Matthew Currey

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William Matthew Currey VC (September 19, 1895 - April 30, 1948) 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.

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He was 22 years old, and a private in the 53rd 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 1 September 1918 in the attack on Peronne, France, Private Currey rushed forward under heavy machine-gun fire and captured single-handed a 77mm field gun which had been holding up the advance, killing all the crew. Later, when the advance was checked by an enemy strong-point he crept round the flank and engaged the post with a Lewis gun, then rushed it, causing many casualties. Subsequently he volunteered to carry orders for withdrawal to an isolated company, doing so under heavy fire and bringing back valuable information.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).