John Caffrey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Joseph Caffrey
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John Caffrey VC (left).
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| Born | 23 October 1891 Birr, Kings County, Ireland |
| Died | 22 February 1953 (age 61) Derby, Derbyshire, England |
| Buried |
Southern Cemetery, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Service number | 9730 |
| Unit | Sherwood Foresters York and Lancaster Regiment Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossCross of St. George (4th Class) (Russia) |
Lance Corporal John Joseph Caffrey VC (born October 23, 1891 – died February 22, 1953) was a very brave soldier. He was part of the British Army and came from Ireland. John Caffrey won the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy. This special award is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
John Caffrey was born in Birr, Ireland. When he was young, he left Ireland. He moved to Nottingham, a city in England. In 1910, when he was about 19 years old, he decided to join the British Army.
Bravery in World War I
John Caffrey was 24 years old during the First World War. He was a private in the York and Lancaster Regiment. On November 16, 1915, something incredible happened. It was near a place called La Brique in France.
A Daring Rescue Mission
A soldier was badly hurt and couldn't move. He was lying out in the open, about 350 yards from the enemy's trenches. This meant the enemy could see him clearly. A corporal from the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) and Private Caffrey immediately tried to help him.
Their first attempt was very dangerous. Enemy fire, like shrapnel, forced them to go back. But they didn't give up! They tried again and managed to reach the wounded soldier. They quickly bandaged his injuries.
More Courage Under Fire
Just as they were lifting the wounded man, the RAMC corporal was shot in the head. Private Caffrey acted fast. He bandaged the corporal's wound and helped him get back to safety.
But John Caffrey's bravery wasn't over. He then went back alone to where the first wounded soldier was. He managed to bring that soldier back to safety too. For this incredible act of courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Later Life and Legacy
After World War I, John Caffrey continued to serve. He later became a Sergeant. During World War II, he was part of the Home Guard. This was a group of volunteers who helped defend Britain.
In his everyday life, he worked as a commissionaire. This is someone who works at the entrance of a building, like a doorman. John Caffrey passed away in Derby, England, on February 22, 1953, when he was 61 years old.
His Victoria Cross, a symbol of his amazing bravery, is now on display. You can see it at The York and Lancaster Regiment Museum. This museum is inside the Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham, England.
