World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Deraghland, Ireland, he served as a Sergeant in L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army. In actions at Néry, France, September 1, 1914, during the retreat the German 4th Cavalry Division attacked the British 1st Cavalry Brigade. L Battery seeing the retreat, began to comence fire when the commanding officer was knocked unconscious by a incoming shell. Sergeant Nelson with an officer and another Sergeant, immediately brought three of the Battery's six guns into action against twelve German guns on high ground five hundred yards away. Two British guns were hit but the third, was served by Sergeant Nelson who although severely wounded, continued to fire. When the Battery Sergeant Major joined Sergeant Nelson, the officer went to fetch more ammunition but was mortally wounded by a shell. Sergeant Nelson kept firing until the last round was gone, having accounted for three of the German guns being destroyed. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and awarded the Victoria Cross on November 16, 1914. He later achieved the rank of Major and was killed while commading D Battery, 59th Brigade, at Lillers, France.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Deraghland, Ireland, he served as a Sergeant in L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army. In actions at Néry, France, September 1, 1914, during the retreat the German 4th Cavalry Division attacked the British 1st Cavalry Brigade. L Battery seeing the retreat, began to comence fire when the commanding officer was knocked unconscious by a incoming shell. Sergeant Nelson with an officer and another Sergeant, immediately brought three of the Battery's six guns into action against twelve German guns on high ground five hundred yards away. Two British guns were hit but the third, was served by Sergeant Nelson who although severely wounded, continued to fire. When the Battery Sergeant Major joined Sergeant Nelson, the officer went to fetch more ammunition but was mortally wounded by a shell. Sergeant Nelson kept firing until the last round was gone, having accounted for three of the German guns being destroyed. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and awarded the Victoria Cross on November 16, 1914. He later achieved the rank of Major and was killed while commading D Battery, 59th Brigade, at Lillers, France.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
HIS NAME A GREAT EXAMPLE STANDS A MEMORY DEAR
Gravesite Details
Major, Royal Field Artillery. Age: 31.
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