World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award posthumously from British King George V at Buckingham Palace in London, England on February 27, 1920 (presented to his widow) for his actions as a corporal in the 9th Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment of the British Army on September 3, 1918 near Lens, France during the Hundred Days Offensive prior to the end of World War I. Born of Irish ancestry in Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire, England, he worked in a cotton mill prior to enlisting in the North Lancashire Regiment of the British Army after the outbreak of World War I in July 1914. He later transferred to 9th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment and was sent to the Western Front in France. Following his heroic action at Lens, he was killed in combat at the age of 30 near Solesmes, France. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty. On 3 September 1918 north west of Lens, France, when operating a telephone in evacuated enemy trenches occupied by his battalion, Corporal McNamara realised that a determined enemy counter-attack was gaining ground. Rushing to the nearest post, he made very good use of a revolver taken from a wounded officer and then, seizing a Lewis gun, he fired it until it jammed. By this time, he was alone in the post and, having destroyed the telephone, he joined the nearest post and maintained a Lewis gun until reinforcements arrived. It was undoubtedly due to the magnificent courage and determination of Pte. McNamara that the other posts were enabled to hold on, and his fine example of devotion is worthy of the highest praise." His Victoria Cross is on display at The Queen's Royal Surrey Museum in Clandon Park, Surrey, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award posthumously from British King George V at Buckingham Palace in London, England on February 27, 1920 (presented to his widow) for his actions as a corporal in the 9th Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment of the British Army on September 3, 1918 near Lens, France during the Hundred Days Offensive prior to the end of World War I. Born of Irish ancestry in Walton-Le-Dale, Lancashire, England, he worked in a cotton mill prior to enlisting in the North Lancashire Regiment of the British Army after the outbreak of World War I in July 1914. He later transferred to 9th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment and was sent to the Western Front in France. Following his heroic action at Lens, he was killed in combat at the age of 30 near Solesmes, France. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty. On 3 September 1918 north west of Lens, France, when operating a telephone in evacuated enemy trenches occupied by his battalion, Corporal McNamara realised that a determined enemy counter-attack was gaining ground. Rushing to the nearest post, he made very good use of a revolver taken from a wounded officer and then, seizing a Lewis gun, he fired it until it jammed. By this time, he was alone in the post and, having destroyed the telephone, he joined the nearest post and maintained a Lewis gun until reinforcements arrived. It was undoubtedly due to the magnificent courage and determination of Pte. McNamara that the other posts were enabled to hold on, and his fine example of devotion is worthy of the highest praise." His Victoria Cross is on display at The Queen's Royal Surrey Museum in Clandon Park, Surrey, England.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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