Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
Three recipients of the Victoria Cross
36th (Ulster) Division
Geoffrey StG S Cather VC
Lieutenant 9th Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers
Died: 2 July 1916, aged 25
Son of the late Mr R Cather and of Mrs M Cather, of Limpsfield, Surrey
Panel: 15A
The London Gazette
8th September 1916
For most conspicuous bravery. From 7 pm till midnight he searched No Man’s Land, and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 am he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later.
Finally, at 10.30 am, he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.
William McFadzean VC
Private 18278
C Company 14th Bn Royal Irish Rifles
Died: 1st July 1916, aged 20
Son of William and Annie McFadzean, of Rubicon, Cregagh, Belfast
Panel: 15A
The London Gazette
8th September 1916
For most conspicuous bravery. While in a concentration trench and opening a box of bombs for distribution prior to an attack, the box slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out.
Private McFadzean, instantly realising the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the bombs. The bombs exploded blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew his danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment’s hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.
Eric Bell VC
Captain 9th Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Died: 1st July 1916, aged 20
Son of Capt E Bell, of 22, University Rd, Bootle, Liverpool
Native of Enniskillen, Ireland
Panel: 4 D
The London Gazette
26th September 1916
For most conspicuous bravery. He was in command of a Trench Mortar Battery, and advanced with the Infantry in the attack. When our front line was hung up by enfilading machine gun fire Captain Bell crept forward and shot the machine gunner. Later, on no less than three occasions, when our bombing parties, which were clearing the enemy’s trenches, were unable to advance, he went forward alone and threw Trench Mortar bombs among the enemy.
When he had no more bombs available he stood on the parapet, under intense fire, and used a rifle with great coolness and effect on the enemy advancing to counter-attack.
Finally he was killed rallying and reorganising infantry parties which had lost their officers. All this was outside the scope of his normal duties with his battery. He gave his life in his supreme devotion to duty.