World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a captain in the 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) of the British Army on April 23, 1917 during World War I. Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, he joined the British Army after the outbreak of World War I in July 1914 and was sent to the Western Front in France. During the Battle of Arras (April 9 to May 16, 1917) near Wancourt, France, he was killed in combat at the age of 20 and his body was never found. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "2nd Lt. (A/Capt.) David Philip Hirsch, late York R. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Having arrived at the first objective, Capt. Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over fire-swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. Machine gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine gun fire and counterattack until he was killed. His conduct throughout was a magnificent example of the greatest devotion to duty." His Victoria Cross is on display at the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England. Son of Harry and Edith Hirsch, of Weetwood Grove, Leeds.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a captain in the 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) of the British Army on April 23, 1917 during World War I. Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, he joined the British Army after the outbreak of World War I in July 1914 and was sent to the Western Front in France. During the Battle of Arras (April 9 to May 16, 1917) near Wancourt, France, he was killed in combat at the age of 20 and his body was never found. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "2nd Lt. (A/Capt.) David Philip Hirsch, late York R. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Having arrived at the first objective, Capt. Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over fire-swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. Machine gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine gun fire and counterattack until he was killed. His conduct throughout was a magnificent example of the greatest devotion to duty." His Victoria Cross is on display at the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England. Son of Harry and Edith Hirsch, of Weetwood Grove, Leeds.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Other Records
Advertisement
See more Hirsch memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
