George Onions facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Onions
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| Born | 2 March 1883 Bilston, Staffordshire |
| Died | 2 April 1944 (aged 61) Birmingham |
| Buried |
Quinton Cemetery, Birmingham
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
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| Battles/wars | First World War Anglo-Irish War World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Police officer |
George Onions VC (2 March 1883 – 2 April 1944) was an English hero. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces.
He was born in Bilston, Staffordshire, on March 2, 1883. He passed away in Birmingham on April 2, 1944.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
George Onions had many different jobs when he was young. He worked in mines and traveled for business. He even lived in Australia for three years.
When the First World War began, he was an iron and steel merchant living in Scotland. He was married and had a son. He decided to join the army right away. He enlisted with the 3rd Hussars.
Service in the First World War
George Onions was involved in the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916. Later that year, he became an officer in The Rifle Brigade.
After some difficulties, he chose to rejoin the army as a private soldier. He was determined to prove himself and return to the front lines. By April 1917, he was back in France.
An Act of Incredible Bravery
George Onions was 35 years old during the First World War. He was a Lance-Corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment. He earned his Victoria Cross for an amazing act of bravery.
The Foggy Morning of August 22, 1918
On a foggy morning, August 22, 1918, Lance-Corporal Onions was near Achiet-le-Petit, France. He and another soldier, Private Henry Eades, were trying to connect with another army unit.
Suddenly, they saw many enemy soldiers advancing. The enemy was planning a counter-attack. George Onions and Private Eades saw a chance to act.
Taking 200 Prisoners
They bravely positioned themselves on the side of the advancing enemy. They started firing their weapons. When the enemy soldiers were about 100 yards away, they hesitated. Some even put their hands up.
Lance-Corporal Onions quickly rushed forward. With help from Private Eades, he managed to capture about 200 enemy soldiers! He then organized them into lines and marched them back to his company commander.
Private Eades also received an award, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, for his part in this brave act. Sadly, he died from his wounds a few days later.
After the War
After the war, George Onions continued to serve his country. He joined the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary. He faced some challenges in his civilian life.
In 1939, he became a captain in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment for National Defence. He resigned this role in 1941.
George Onions died in a car accident in 1944. His Victoria Cross medal is now displayed at The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, England.
