Martin Moffat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Joseph Moffat
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| Born | 15 April 1882 Sligo, County Sligo |
| Died | 5 January 1946 (aged 63) County Sligo |
| Buried |
Sligo Town Cemetery, County Sligo
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Connaught Rangers Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Croix de Guerre (Belgium) |
Martin Joseph Moffat (born April 15, 1882 – died January 5, 1946) was a very brave Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for incredible bravery. This special medal is given to soldiers from the British and Commonwealth forces. It honors those who show amazing courage when facing the enemy.
A Heroic Deed
Martin Joseph Moffat first served in the Connaught Rangers. During World War I, he was a 34-year-old Private in the 2nd Battalion of the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment. This was part of the British Army.
His incredible act of bravery happened on October 14, 1918. He was near Ledeghem, in Belgium. Private Moffat was moving forward with five other soldiers across an open area. Suddenly, they faced heavy rifle fire from a strongly defended house. The bullets came from very close range.
Private Moffat showed amazing courage. He rushed towards the house, even with many bullets flying around him. He threw small explosives, often called bombs or grenades. Then, he moved around to the back of the house. He bravely rushed through the door. Inside, he defeated two enemy soldiers and captured 30 others. His quick and brave actions saved his comrades and helped his unit.
Awards and Recognition
For his bravery, Private Moffat was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest military honor for courage. He also received two awards from Belgium. These were the Croix de Guerre and the Military Decoration.
Today, his Victoria Cross and other medals are on display. You can see them at the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery. This gallery is inside the Imperial War Museum in London. Copies of his medals and a photograph are also displayed. These are at the Sligo County Museum in Stephen Street, Sligo.
