Percy Herbert Cherry

Led his men to seize a village and held it despite his wound

Born in Victoria in 1895 and raised in Tasmania, he joined the AIF in 1915 and served at Gallipoli before commissioning. As a captain with the 26th Battalion, he earned the Military Cross in March 1917. At Lagnicourt on 26 March, he continued clearing the village after the other company officers became casualties. He captured a strongpoint, directed the defence against counterattacks and, wounded in the leg, refused to leave. A shell killed him at his post. His VC and MC were presented to his parents that October.

Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery, determination and leadership when in command of a company detailed to storm and clear a village. After all the officers of his company had become casualties he carried on with care and determination, in the face of fierce opposition, and cleared the village of the enemy. He sent frequent reports of progress made, and when held up for some time by an enemy strong point he organised machine gun and bomb parties and captured the position. His leadership, coolness and bravery set a wonderful example to his men. Having cleared the village, he took charge of the situation and beat off the most resolute and heavy counter-attacks made by the enemy. Wounded about 6.30 a.m., he refused to leave his post, and there remained, encouraging all to hold out at all costs, until, about 4.30 p.m., this very gallant officer was killed by an enemy shell.