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Private William Matthew Currey of the 59
th
Battalion
received the
second Victoria Cross awarded to an ex student of Dudley Public School.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on the 1
st
September
1918 at Peronne, France.
CITATION:
“For most conspicuous bravery and daring in the attack on
Peronne on the morning of 1
st
September 1918. When the battalion was
suffering heavy casualties from a 77mm field gun at very close range,
Private Currey rushed forward under intense machine gun fire and
succeeded in capturing the gun single-handed after killing the entire
crew. Later, when the advance on the left flank was checked by an enemy
strong-point, Private Currey crept around the flank and engaged the post
with a Lewis gun. Finally, he rushed the post single-handed, causing
many casualties. It was entirely owing to his gallant conduct that the
situation was relieved and the advance enabled to continue. Subsequently
he volunteered to carry orders for the withdrawal of an isolated company
and this he succeeded in doing despite shell and rifle fire, returning later
with valuable information.”
Throughout the operations his striking example of coolness, determination
and utter disregard of danger had the most inspiring effect on his
comrades and his gallant work contributed largely to the success of the
operations. (London Gazette: 14
th
December 1918)
It is interesting to note that the VC recipients although attending the same
small school came from different backgrounds; one a well educated single
son with the rank of Captain and the other a union man who had many
occupations and eventually became a Member of Parliament.
These VCs also exemplify the need for extraordinary personal courage for
any attack to be successful in World War 1. It also makes us think of how
many young Australians did similar acts of heroism without reward.
Both Jeffries and Currey went to the defence of their fellow soldiers
without thinking of the consequences for themselves. The Dudley Public
School Library is named after the two soldiers and has a mural that covers
their brave efforts at the school’s entry.
Further Research
The Australian Biographical Dictionary provides
excellent information on prominent Australians. For example, Matthew
Currey after the war became the first Australian VC Recipient to become
a Member of Parliament (NSW).
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