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.

Later he achieved the rank of Captain.

Storkey was born in Napier, New Zealand and attended Napier Boys' High School. He left his medal to his old school. In 1983 there was a controversy when the school Parents' League wanted to sell the medal to finance student scholarships. Eventually the medal was transferred to the QEII Army Memorial Museum on long-term loan.

His Victoria Cross is now displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum at Waiouru, New Zealand.