World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Liverpool, England, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, British Army. During an advance at Arrowhead Copse, Somme, France, on August 8, 1916, Second Lieutenant Coury was in command of two platoons ordered to dig a communication trench from the firing line of the front position. He completed his task under intense fire, and later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties, his Commanding Officer was wounded. He went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight, and, in full view of the enemy, found his commanding officer. He then brought him back to the new advanced trench over ground swept by machine-gun fire. He carried out his original tasks and saved his commanding officer, plus also assisted in rallying the attacking troops, leading them forward. For most conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace, London, England, on November 18, 1916. For the remainder of the war, he served as a Flying Officer Observer in the Royal Air Force and was later promoted to Captain of the Medical Section of the Administrative Branch. After the war, he was in business as a cotton broker. During World War II, he served as a Major in the Royal Army Service Corps and participated in the Normandy, France, landings. He died at age 59 of ill health in Liverpool, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Liverpool, England, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, British Army. During an advance at Arrowhead Copse, Somme, France, on August 8, 1916, Second Lieutenant Coury was in command of two platoons ordered to dig a communication trench from the firing line of the front position. He completed his task under intense fire, and later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties, his Commanding Officer was wounded. He went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight, and, in full view of the enemy, found his commanding officer. He then brought him back to the new advanced trench over ground swept by machine-gun fire. He carried out his original tasks and saved his commanding officer, plus also assisted in rallying the attacking troops, leading them forward. For most conspicuous bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace, London, England, on November 18, 1916. For the remainder of the war, he served as a Flying Officer Observer in the Royal Air Force and was later promoted to Captain of the Medical Section of the Administrative Branch. After the war, he was in business as a cotton broker. During World War II, he served as a Major in the Royal Army Service Corps and participated in the Normandy, France, landings. He died at age 59 of ill health in Liverpool, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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