David Nelson (VC)

David Nelson
Born 3 April 1886
Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
Died 8 April 1918 (aged 32)
Dublin
Buried at St. James' Churchyard
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank major
Unit Royal Artillery
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

David Nelson VC (3 April 1886 – 8 April 1918) 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.

Military Career

Nelson was born Deraghland, Stradnoden, Co Monaghan. He was 28 years old, and a sergeant in 'L' Battery, Royal Artillery (RHA), British Army during the World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 September 1914 at Néry, France, Sergeant Nelson helped to bring the guns into action - with an officer (Edward Kinder Bradbury) and a warrant officer (George Thomas Dorrell) - under heavy fire and in spite of being severely wounded. He remained with the guns until all the ammunition was expended, although he had been ordered to retire to cover.

Nelson later achieved the rank of major. He was killed in action at Lillers, France, on 8 April 1918.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum (London, England).

References

Listed in order of publication year

External links