James Duffy (VC)

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James Duffy (VC)
November 17, 1889–April 8, 1969 (aged 79)
Place of birth Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland
Place of death Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland
Allegiance British Army
Rank Private
Unit 6th Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Battles/wars First Battle of Gaza, World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

James Duffy (November 17, 1889- April 8, 1969)(Irish: Séamus Ó Dubhthaigh) born in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland. He 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.

He was 28 years old, and a private in the 6th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 December 1917 at Kereina Peak, Palestine, whilst the company was holding a very exposed position, Private Duffy, a stretcher-bearer, and another stretcher-bearer went out to bring in a seriously wounded comrade. When the other stretcher-bearer was wounded, Private Duffy returned to get another man, who was killed almost immediately. The private then went forward alone and, under very heavy fire, succeeded in getting both wounded men under cover and attended to their injuries. His gallantry undoubtedly saved both men's lives.

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[edit] Legacy

A stone bench was unveiled in Letterkenny Town Park on 10 July 2007 to honour the war veteran. His daughter Neilly was present when former Letterkenny Mayor Ciaran Brogan unveiled the bench in one of his final duties.

[edit] Remarks

He died in Dromany, Letterkenny, April 8, 1969 and was buried in Conwal Cemetery, Letterkenny, County Donegal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Enniskillen, Northern Ireland).

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Listed in order of publication year

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