Dennis Donnini
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Dennis Donnini (17 November 1925- 18 January 1945) 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] life before WW II
Dennis Donnini was born of Italian origin, and attended Corby Grammar School in Sunderland ,now known as St Aidans School. His Father was Italian and owned an ice cream palour .
[edit] Details
He was 19 years old, and a Fusilier in the 4/5th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC
On 18 January 1945 during Operation Blackcock, Fusilier Donnini's platoon was ordered to attack the small village of Stein in Germany, close to the Dutch border. On leaving their trench they immediately came under heavy fire from a house and the fusilier was hit in the head. After recovering consciousness he charged 30 yards down the open road and hurled a grenade through the nearest window, whereupon the enemy fled pursued by Fusilier Donnini and the survivors of his platoon. He was wounded a second time, but continued firing his Bren gun until he was killed after the grenade he was carrying, was hit by a bullet and exploded. His gallantry had enabled his comrades to overcome twice their own number of the enemy. It has been told that his father was not allowed to collect the VC because of his Italian origins. Instead his sister collected it. He is buried at the Commonwealth Cemetery in Sittard, The Netherlands, among hundreds of other British soldiers who died in the region.
[edit] The medal
The medal is currently on display at the Easington Colliery Workingmens Club, Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, Co. Durham.
[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)
