James Scully (GC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Patrick Scully
|
|
|---|---|
Scully in military attire
|
|
| Born | 20 October 1909 Crumlin, County Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | December 1974 Hebburn-on-Tyne |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 2.5 years of service |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 256 Company, Pioneer Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War II Liverpool Blitz |
| Awards |  George Cross as well as the War Medal 1939-45 |
| Relations | Brendan Foster |
| Other work | He was part of The Royal Society of St George |
James Patrick Scully (born October 20, 1909 – died December 1974) was a brave soldier from Crumlin, Ireland. He served as an Acting Corporal in the Pioneer Corps during World War II. He is famous for receiving the George Cross, a very high award for bravery, because of his heroic actions during a bombing raid in March 1941.
Contents
A Heroic Rescue
On the night of March 12-13, 1941, during a time known as the Blitz (when German planes bombed British cities), many houses were destroyed in Birkenhead. Corporal Scully was part of a rescue team looking for people trapped in the rubble.
He found a man and a woman buried under the wreckage. It was very difficult, but he managed to get to them. Lieutenant Charles Chittenden followed him. They tried to use wood to hold up the falling debris, but they didn't have the right tools to cut it.
When another rescue team arrived with tools, they worked hard to clear the wreckage. Corporal Scully stayed with the trapped people, protecting them from more falling debris. He even used his own back to hold up a heavy plank, preventing it from crushing the injured people.
The weight became too much, and the supports began to slip. Corporal Scully could have left to save himself, but he knew if he did, the debris would fall and likely kill the trapped people. So, he stayed, holding the plank. The weight pushed him down onto the trapped man. Lieutenant Chittenden supported Scully's head to make sure he could breathe.
Corporal Scully stayed in this dangerous position all night, for more than seven hours! Finally, the rescue party managed to free him and the two injured people. Both Scully and Lieutenant Chittenden knew how risky it was, as nearby walls could collapse at any moment. Corporal Scully truly risked his life to save others. For his amazing bravery, Lieutenant Chittenden received the George Medal.
Medals and Awards
Corporal Scully's bravery was recognized by the Chief Constable and the Mayor of Birkenhead. He was chosen to receive the George Cross, one of the highest awards for bravery in the United Kingdom.
He traveled to London to meet King George VI himself! The King was very kind and listened to Scully's story before pinning the George Cross on him. The King even mentioned that it was only the second George Cross ever awarded at that time. After a busy day, Scully returned home, having been honored for his incredible courage.
James Scully was the only member of the Pioneer Corps to ever receive the George Cross. His medals, including the George Cross, were later sold at an auction in London in 2011. He was also the first Catholic person to receive the George Cross. Today, a sculpture honors him at Simpson Barracks, Northamptonshire, and a troop of the Royal Logistic Corps is named after him.
The George Cross has been awarded 409 times in total, mostly to men, but also to 12 women.
Serving in the Pioneer Corps
James Patrick Scully joined the Pioneer Corps in January 1941. He was part of 256 Company when the heroic rescue happened in Birkenhead. The Liverpool-Birkenhead area faced some of the heaviest bombing raids in the UK during World War II. On the night of Scully's rescue, many bombs were dropped, and hundreds of people were killed in Birkenhead alone.
Corporal Scully continued his important work throughout the Blitz. He is remembered as the most highly decorated member of his Corps. He was discharged from the army in May 1943 because of health issues that resulted from his great bravery.
Life After the War
After World War II, James Scully became a painter and decorator. He had a large family with his wife, Mary. They had a son and five daughters, who later gave them 17 grandchildren. He was known for his great sense of humor and was loved by his children.
Death
James Scully passed away suddenly in December 1974. He was visiting his nephew, Brendan Foster, a famous Olympic runner, in Hebburn-on-Tyne, England, when he died.
See also
- List of George Cross recipients
