Name: BERNARD CASSIDY

Rank: 2Lt

Regiment: The Lancashire Fusiliers

Borough: London Borough of Newham

Date of Action: 28-Mar 1918

Memorial Location: East Ham WW1 War Memorial, Central Park, High Street South, East Ham, E6 6DY

2Lt BERNARD CASSIDY

East Ham WW1 War Memorial, Central Park, High Street South, East Ham, E6 6DY

For most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, and exceptional devotion to duty during a hostile attack. At a time when the flank of the division was in danger, Lt. Cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion, which was in close support. He was given orders prior to the attack that he must hold on to his position to the last. He most nobly carried this out to the letter. The enemy came on in overwhelming numbers and endeavoured to turn the flank. He, however, continually rallied his men under a terrific bombardment. The enemy were several times cleared out of the trench by his personal leadership. His company was eventually surrounded, but Lt. Cassidy still fought on, encouraging and exhorting his men until he was eventually killed. By his most gallant conduct the whole attack was held up at this point and the left flank was undoubtedly saved from what might have been a disaster." His remains were never recovered. VC ACTION On 28 March 1918 at Arras, France, at a time when the flank of the division was in danger, Second Lieutenant Cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion. He had been given orders to hold on to the position at all costs and he carried out this instruction to the letter. Although the enemy came in overwhelming numbers he continued to rally and encourage his men, under terrific bombardment until the company was eventually surrounded and he was killed.