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Ireland

Private James Duffy VC commemorated in County Donegal

Grave of James Duffy VC with poppy wreaths

Every year, during July, many Irish men and women commemorate the service of those who fought during the First World War. July is chosen because the Battle of the Somme started on 1 July 1916, one of the significant battles during the First World War. This year, members of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland led the commemoration of Private James VC, one of 18 members of Irish regiments who received the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

Private James Duffy was 28 years old, serving with his battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, in December 1917, when he came to the aid of two seriously wounded colleagues under enemy fire, saving their lives. After this incident, James Duffy was awarded a Victoria Cros, the highest award for British soldiers, for extreme bravery.

Whilst his company was holding a very exposed position at Kereina Peak, Palestine, Private Duffy went forward with another stretcher-bearer to bring in a seriously wounded comrade. When the other man was wounded, Private Duffy returned to get another stretcher-bearer, who was killed almost immediately when they went forward. He then went forward alone and, under very heavy fire, got both wounded men under cover and attended to their injuries. His gallantry undoubtedly saved both men's lives, and he showed throughout an utter disregard for danger under very heavy fire. The conspicuous bravery of Private James Duffy saved both men's lives.

Paul Stephenson, Vice Chairman of the RBL Republic of Ireland District, laid a wreath on the grave of Private James Duffy VC.

At the same time, across the world, in Northern Ireland, England, Belgium, France, India, Israel, and Turkey, Irish men and women commemorated the bravery of the other 17 recipients of the Victoria Cross. These commemorations were organised by the Royal Irish Regiment and its associations to ensure that the graves of all 18 soldiers are maintained and to raise money from charitable donations for the Regimental Benevolent Fund.