Bernard Matthew Cassidy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 17 August 1892 London, England |
| Died | 28 March 1918 (aged 25) Arras, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | The Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Conflicts | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Bernard Matthew CassidyVC (17 August 1892 – 28 March 1918) was anEnglish recipient of theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritish andCommonwealth forces.
Cassidy was 25 years old, and asecond lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion,The Lancashire Fusiliers,British Army during theFirst World War at theGerman spring offensive when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 March 1918 atArras, 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.[1]
Cassidy has no known grave, but is remembered on theArras Memorial.[2] He has a street named after him inCanning Town in London called Bernard Cassidy Street. His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at theImperial War Museum, London.[3]
