John O'Neill (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John O'Neill
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| Born | 10 February 1897 Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 16 October 1942 (aged 45) Hoylake, Cheshire, England |
| Buried |
Holy Trinity churchyard, Hoylake, Cheshire, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Service number | 4119 (World War I) 144348 (World War II) |
| Unit | Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |
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Lieutenant John O'Neill was a very brave Scottish soldier. He was born on February 10, 1897. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. It is given for incredible courage when facing the enemy.
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John O'Neill: A True War Hero
John O'Neill showed amazing bravery during World War I. He was a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion of the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment. This was a part of the British Army.
Incredible Bravery in World War I
In October 1918, when John O'Neill was 21 years old, his unit was fighting near Moorsele, Belgium. Their advance was stopped by two enemy machine guns. There was also an enemy field battery firing at them. A field battery is a group of large guns.
Sergeant O'Neill, with only eleven men, bravely charged towards the enemy guns. They managed to capture four field guns and two machine guns. They also took sixteen enemy soldiers as prisoners.
A few days later, on October 20, 1918, Sergeant O'Neill showed courage again. With just one other soldier, he rushed an enemy machine-gun position. They managed to defeat about 100 enemy soldiers. This caused many of the enemy to be injured or captured.
His actions showed incredible courage and strong leadership skills. For these brave acts, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Service in World War II
After World War I, John O'Neill continued to serve his country. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an armourer sergeant. An armourer is someone who maintains weapons.
Later, on June 1, 1940, he became a lieutenant in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. This was during World War II. He was an officer on a ship called HMT Dunera. This ship transported people to Australia.
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His Final Years
John O'Neill passed away on October 16, 1942, from a heart attack. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Hoylake, in The Wirral, England. He is remembered as a hero who served his country with great bravery in two World Wars.
