John Edmondson

Despite grave wounds, he saved his commander in close combat

John Hurst Edmondson was born at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, on 8 October 1914. The only child of Joseph and Maude Edmondson, he grew up on the family farm near Liverpool. He attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School, worked with his father and became a skilled rifle shooter.

He joined the militia's 4th Battalion in 1939 and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in May 1940. Posted to the 2/17th Battalion, he became a corporal and sailed for the Middle East in October. Training in Palestine preceded the battalion's movement into Libya with the 9th Division.

After the Axis advance forced the Australians back to Tobruk, Edmondson served in a perimeter position near the El Adem road. On the night of 13–14 April 1941, German troops infiltrated the defences with machine guns and other weapons. Lieutenant Austin Mackell led a small party, including Edmondson's section, against them.

Although badly wounded in the neck and stomach, Edmondson continued in the charge. When Mackell was attacked at close quarters by two German soldiers, Edmondson intervened and saved his life. The party returned to the Australian lines after driving off the intruders.

Edmondson died from his wounds before dawn on 14 April. The Victoria Cross recognised his refusal to let his injuries prevent him from helping his commander. His parents received the decoration from Governor-General Lord Gowrie in September 1941.

He was buried in Tobruk War Cemetery. His mother's diary and the family's preserved papers record their grief alongside the public recognition of his courage. His medals were subsequently entrusted to the Australian War Memorial.

Official Victoria Cross citation

No. NX 15705 Corporal John Hurst Edmondson, Australian Military Forces. On the night of the 13-14th April, 1941, a party of German infantry broke through the wire defences at Tobruk and established themselves with at least six machine guns, mortars and two small field pieces. It was decided to attack them with bayonets, and a party consisting of one officer, Corporal Edmondson and five privates, took part in the charge. During the counter- attack Corporal Edmondson was wounded in the neck and stomach but continued to advance under heavy fire and killed one enemy with his bayonet. Later, his officer had his bayonet in one of the enemy and was grasped about the legs by him, when another attacked him from behind. He called for help, and Corporal Edmondson, who was some yards away, immediately came to his assistance and in spite of his wounds, killed both of the enemy. This action undoubtedly saved his officer’s life. Shortly after returning from this successful counter-attack, Corporal Edmondson died of wounds. His actions throughout the operations were outstanding for resolution, leadership and conspicuous bravery.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 1 July 1941. 4 July 1941, Numb. 35207, pp. 3807-08.