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Serjeant HAROLD JOHN COLLEY

Service Number: 40684
Regiment & Unit/Ship

Lancashire Fusiliers

10th Bn.

Date of Death

Died 25 August 1918

Age 23 years old

Buried or commemorated at

MAILLY WOOD CEMETERY, MAILLY-MAILLET

II. Q. 4.

France

Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Headstone Placeholder
  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross, Military Medal
  • Additional Info Son of John and Hannah Elizabeth Colley, of 74, Cheshire Rd., Smethwick, Staffs.
  • Personal Inscription HE GAVE HIS LIFE IN HONOUR FIGHTING FOR HOME AND COUNTRY REST IN PEACE
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30967, dated the 18th Oct., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when in command of a platoon in support of forward platoons which had been ordered to hold on at all costs. When the enemy counter-attacked in force, he rushed forward on his own initiative to help the forward line, rallying and controlling the men holding it. The enemy by this time were advancing quicky, and had already obtained a footing in the trench. Serjt. Colley then formed a defensive flank and held it. Out of the two platoons only three men remained unwounded, and he himself was dangerously wounded. It was entirely due to Serjt. Colley's action that the enemy were prevented from breaking through, and were eventually driven off. His courage and tenacity saved a very critical situation."

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Buried or commemorated at