Cyril Edward Gourley

He kept a howitzer firing as enemy troops closed on his guns

Born in Liverpool on 19 January 1893, Cyril Edward Gourley graduated from Liverpool University and joined the Territorial artillery in 1914. At Little Priel Farm on 30 November 1917, enemy troops pressed his howitzer section from the front, flank and rear. He repeatedly returned to the exposed gun, carrying ammunition and firing it himself. He destroyed a machine gun and held attackers in check until the guns could withdraw at night. Already a Military Medal recipient, he earned the VC and later became acting captain. After the war he worked for Lever Brothers.

His civilian career with Lever Brothers took him overseas to develop export business. During the Second World War he served as a firewatcher in Liverpool. He moved to Haslemere in 1952 and retired in 1958, spending his later years gardening and restoring his house. He died at Haslemere on 31 January 1982 and was buried in the family grave at Grange Cemetery, West Kirby.

Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a section of howitzers.

Though the enemy advanced in force, getting within 400 yards in front, between 300 and 400 yards to one flank and with snipers in rear, Sjt. Gourley managed to keep one gun in action practically throughout the day. Though frequently driven off he always returned, carrying ammunition, laying and firing the gun himself, taking first one and then another of the detachment to assist him.

When the enemy advanced he pulled his gun out of the pit and engaged a machine gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit.

All day he held the enemy in check, firing with open sights on enemy parties in full view at 300 to 800 yards, and thereby saved his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall.

He had previously been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry.