Dominic McCarthy

He rushed machine guns and drove foes from the old trenches.

Lawrence Dominic McCarthy grew up in Western Australia and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in October 1914. Serving with the 16th Battalion, he fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. His earlier service brought a French Croix de Guerre and a mention in despatches.

Near Madame Wood, France, on 23 August 1918, Lieutenant McCarthy’s battalion encountered strong machine-gun resistance. He moved forward to attack a gun position and continued along the enemy trench. His determined advance captured several machine guns, caused substantial losses and compelled numerous Germans to surrender. The exceptional action earned him the Victoria Cross.

McCarthy survived the war and returned to Australia in 1919. In civilian life he worked as a commercial traveller and building superintendent. His son was killed serving in the Second World War. McCarthy died in Melbourne in 1975, and his wife donated his Victoria Cross and medal group to the Australian War Memorial. The museum preserves both his decorations and a portrait recording his wartime service.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and leadership on the morning of the 23rd August, 1918, in attack near Madame Wood, east of Vermandovillers (north of Chaulnes). Although the objectives of his battalion were attained without serious opposition, the battalion on the left flank was heavily opposed by well-posted machine guns. Lt. McCarthy, realising the situation, at once engaged the nearest machine-gun post, but still the attacking troops failed to get forward. This officer then determined to attack the nearest post. Leaving his men to continue the fire fight, he, with two others, dashed across the open and succeeded in reaching the block. Although single-handed, as he had outdistanced his comrades, and despite serious opposition and obstacles, he captured the gun and continued to fight his way down the trench, inflicting heavy casualties, and capturing three more machine guns. At this stage, being some 700 yards from his starting point, he was joined by one of his men, and together they continued to bomb up the trench until touch was established with an adjoining unit. Lt. McCarthy, during this most daring advance, single-handed killed twenty of the enemy and captured in addition five machine guns and fifty prisoners. By his gallant and determined action he saved a critical situation, prevented many casualties, and was mainly, if not entirely, responsible for the final objective being taken.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 13 December 1918. 14 December 1918, Numb. 31067, p. 14776