John Cunningham (VC 1916) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Cunningham
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| Born | 28 June 1897 Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 21 February 1941 (aged 43) Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Buried |
Western Cemetery, Hull
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | East Yorkshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Private John Cunningham was a brave British soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for courage a soldier can get. It is given for amazing bravery in the face of the enemy. John was born in Scunthorpe, England, on June 28, 1897. He was the oldest son of Charles and Mary Cunningham.
A True War Hero
John Cunningham was only 19 years old when he showed incredible bravery. He was a Private in the East Yorkshire Regiment. His unit was part of the "Hull Sportsmen" battalion. This was a special group called a Pals battalion. These battalions were made up of friends, neighbours, or co-workers who joined the army together. John served during World War I.
His Amazing Bravery
John's brave act happened on November 13, 1916. This was during the Battle of the Ancre. This battle was part of the larger Battle of the Somme. John's division had to capture German trenches. They also needed to create a safe defensive line.
After the first enemy line was taken, Private Cunningham joined a "bombing section." This group used bombs to clear trenches. They faced strong resistance. Soon, all the other soldiers in his section were either killed or wounded.
John didn't give up. He gathered all the bombs from his fallen comrades. Then, he went forward alone. When he ran out of bombs, he went back for more. He returned to the communication trench. There, he met a group of 10 German soldiers. John fought bravely and defeated all 10 of them. He cleared the trench all the way to the new front line. His actions were truly heroic.
After the War
John Cunningham's Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the York Army Museum in England.
John got married to Eva Harrison in June 1917. They had two children together. Their daughter, Annie, sadly died when she was a baby. Their son, John, was born in 1920.
John Cunningham passed away on February 20, 1941. He was 43 years old. His funeral was held in Hull a few days later. He is buried in the Western Cemetery in Hull.
