John Moyney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Moyney
VC
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| Born | 8 January 1895 Rathdowney, County Laois |
| Died | 10 November 1980 (aged 85) Roscrea, County Tipperary |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Sergeant John Moyney (born January 8, 1895 – died November 10, 1980) was an Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
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A Brave Soldier's Story
John Moyney was born in Rathdowney, a town in County Laois, Ireland. When he was 22 years old, he was a Lance-Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards. This was during World War I, a very big war that happened a long time ago.
His Amazing Bravery
In September 1917, near a place called Broenbeek in Belgium, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in charge of 15 soldiers. They were in two small groups, positioned ahead of the main army. Suddenly, they found themselves surrounded by enemy soldiers.
John Moyney and his men were stuck for 96 hours, which is four whole days! They had almost no food and no water. Even though things were very tough, they kept fighting.
Holding the Line
On the fifth day, the enemy tried to push them out of their position. But John Moyney didn't give up. He bravely attacked the enemy using bombs and a special gun called a Lewis gun. He fought very well, causing a lot of trouble for the enemy.
When he realized they were completely surrounded, he made a bold decision. He led his men in a charge, running right through the enemy lines! They managed to reach a stream. John Moyney and another soldier named Thomas Woodcock stayed behind to cover their friends. They made sure everyone else crossed the stream safely, even while bullets were flying all around them. Then, they crossed themselves, still under heavy fire.
Life After the War
John Moyney was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He passed away in Roscrea, County Tipperary, on November 10, 1980. His Victoria Cross medal, which he earned for his incredible bravery, is now on display in London. You can see it at the Guards Regimental Headquarters at Wellington Barracks.
Remembering a Hero
On September 12, 2017, a special memorial was put up in Rathdowney, his hometown. This memorial helps everyone remember John Moyney's courage and his amazing actions during the war.
