George Onions

He and one comrade captured a massing advancing enemy force.

George Onions was born at Bilston, Staffordshire, on 2 March 1883. He worked in mining and commercial employment, lived in Australia and married Florence Donaldson at Brisbane in 1907. Returning to Britain, he worked in the iron and steel trade before enlisting in the 3rd Hussars in September 1914.

He went to France in 1915 and later received a commission in the Rifle Brigade. A court martial following an incident while on leave ended that commission in December 1916. Onions enlisted again as a private in the Devonshire Regiment and returned to France. By August 1918 he was a lance corporal in its 1st Battalion.

On 22 August, south of Achiet-le-Petit, he and Private Henry Eades were trying to contact a neighbouring battalion when they saw German troops advancing. Instead of withdrawing, they moved onto the enemy's flank and opened fire. As the formation hesitated and men began surrendering, Onions rushed forward. With Eades he rounded up about two hundred prisoners and marched them back to his company.

King George V presented his Victoria Cross in February 1919. After the war, Onions served in the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary and later returned to commercial work. His civilian employment included sales and management in the Birmingham area. He also attended gatherings of VC recipients, including the 1929 dinner at the House of Lords.

He returned to military service during the Second World War with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment's National Defence establishment, but resigned because of ill health in 1941. Onions died in Birmingham on 2 April 1944 following a motoring accident and was buried in Quinton Cemetery. His medals are preserved at the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester.

Official award citation

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative south of Achiet-le-Petit on 22nd August, 1918, when, having been sent out with one man to get touch with the battalion on the right flank, he observed the enemy advancing in large numbers to counter-attack the positions gained on the previous day.

Realising his opportunity, he boldly placed himself with his comrade on the flank of the advancing enemy and opened rapid fire when the target was most favourable. When the enemy were about 100 yards from him, the line wavered and some hands were seen to be thrown up. L./Cpl. Onions then rushed forward, and with the assistance of his comrade took about 200 of the enemy prisoners and marched them back to his company commander.

By his magnificent courage and presence of mind he averted what might have been a very dangerous situation.