World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Collon, County Louth, Ireland, he posthumously received the award for his actions as a temporary 2nd lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers) of the British Army on December 6, 1917 on the Hindenburg Line that resulted in his death at the Battle of Cambrai in Nord-Pas-de Calais, France at the age of 22. His remains were never found and he was listed as missing in action. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For repeated acts of most conspicuous bravery. He led his company in an attack and cleared 400 yards of trench. Though wounded, when the enemy attacked in superior numbers, he sprang out of the trench with eight men and met the attack in the open, killing many and taking six prisoners. For three hours after this, all other Officers having become casualties, he remained with his company, refusing to go to the dressing station, and repeatedly repelled bombing attacks. Later, when the enemy again attacked in superior numbers, he led his men to repel the attack and was mortally wounded. His heroism, when worn out and exhausted from loss of blood, inspired his men to hold out, though almost surrounded, till reinforcements arrived and dislodged the enemy." In addition to the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing, his name is inscribed on the war memorial at the Church of Ireland parish church at Collon and the Drogheda WW1 Memorial, Mary's St. Drogheda, Ireland.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Collon, County Louth, Ireland, he posthumously received the award for his actions as a temporary 2nd lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers) of the British Army on December 6, 1917 on the Hindenburg Line that resulted in his death at the Battle of Cambrai in Nord-Pas-de Calais, France at the age of 22. His remains were never found and he was listed as missing in action. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For repeated acts of most conspicuous bravery. He led his company in an attack and cleared 400 yards of trench. Though wounded, when the enemy attacked in superior numbers, he sprang out of the trench with eight men and met the attack in the open, killing many and taking six prisoners. For three hours after this, all other Officers having become casualties, he remained with his company, refusing to go to the dressing station, and repeatedly repelled bombing attacks. Later, when the enemy again attacked in superior numbers, he led his men to repel the attack and was mortally wounded. His heroism, when worn out and exhausted from loss of blood, inspired his men to hold out, though almost surrounded, till reinforcements arrived and dislodged the enemy." In addition to the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing, his name is inscribed on the war memorial at the Church of Ireland parish church at Collon and the Drogheda WW1 Memorial, Mary's St. Drogheda, Ireland.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
ROYAL INNISKILLING FUS.
SECOND LIEUT.
V.C. EMERSON J.S.
Gravesite Details
Final resting place unknown. Name listed on the Memorial
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