John Cunningham (VC 1917) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Cunningham
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| Born | 22 October 1890 Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Died | 16 April 1917 (aged 26) Barlin, France |
| Buried |
Barlin, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | 8916 |
| Unit | Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Corporal John Cunningham was a brave Irish soldier who fought for the British Army during the First World War. He was born on October 22, 1890, and sadly passed away on April 16, 1917. John Cunningham received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most respected award for incredible bravery given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces.
A Story of Courage: John Cunningham's Heroic Act
John Cunningham was born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was one of two sons. When he was 26 years old, he was a corporal in the 2nd Battalion of the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment.
On April 12, 1917, something amazing happened near Barlin, France. Corporal Cunningham showed incredible bravery during a battle. He was in charge of a special machine gun called a Lewis Gun. His group was on the most open part of the attack, which meant they were very exposed to enemy fire.
His section came under heavy attack from the side, and many of his fellow soldiers were hurt. Even though he was wounded himself, Corporal Cunningham kept going. He almost single-handedly reached his target with his machine gun. He managed to set it up and start firing, even with a lot of enemies trying to stop him.
Later, about twenty enemy soldiers launched a counter-attack. Corporal Cunningham used up all his machine gun bullets fighting them off. Then, he stood up where everyone could see him and started throwing bombs at the enemy. He was wounded again and fell, but he quickly got back up. He kept fighting the enemy all by himself until he ran out of bombs too.
After that, he made his way back to his own lines. He had a broken arm and other serious injuries. His amazing courage in this difficult situation really helped his side. It cleared up a very dangerous problem on the left side of the attack. Sadly, Corporal Cunningham died in the hospital because of his wounds.
He is buried in Barlin cemetery in Pas de Calais, France.
His Victoria Cross Medal
The Victoria Cross is a very special award. Corporal Cunningham's medals are now on display. You can see them at the Imperial War Museum in London, where they are on loan.
