Thomas Neely facts for kids

Lance Sergeant Thomas Patrick Neely, VC, MM (born March 28, 1897 – died October 1, 1918) was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get. This award is given to British and Commonwealth forces. Thomas Neely served in The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment during the First World War. He earned his Victoria Cross for his amazing courage in September 1918. Sadly, he was killed in action just a few days later.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Thomas Neely was born on March 28, 1897, in Poulton-cum-Seacombe, which is in Wallasey, Cheshire, England. He was one of seven children born to James and Agnes Neely. His family later moved to Walton in Liverpool.

Thomas went to St. Francis de Sales School. After finishing school, he worked at a grain mill. This mill made food for animals.

In September 1914, when he was 17, Thomas Neely joined the British Army. He was not very tall, so he first joined a special "Bantam" Battalion. Later, he moved to The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

Bravery in the First World War

In July 1918, Thomas Neely was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for his bravery. He then got some time off from the army. When he returned, he was promoted to corporal.

The Battle of the Canal du Nord

On September 27, 1918, during the Battle of the Canal du Nord, Thomas Neely's battalion was leading the attack. They faced many machine-gun posts in a village called Flesquières. These machine guns caused many injuries to the soldiers. The advance of the army was stopped.

Thomas Neely, along with two other soldiers, bravely rushed forward. They attacked the machine-gun posts and captured them. This allowed the army to move forward again. Later, he went alone several times to deal with other German positions that were slowing down his battalion.

Earning the Victoria Cross

For his incredible bravery, Thomas Neely was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for courage a soldier can receive in the British Empire.

The official report about his actions said:

For most conspicuous bravery during operations at Flesquières on 27 Sept. 1918. His company was held up during the advance by heavy machine-gun fire from a flank. Corporal Neeley [sic], realising the seriousness of the situation, at once, under point-blank fire, dashed out with two men and rushed the positions, disposing of the garrisons and capturing three machine-guns. Subsequently, on two successive occasions, he rushed concrete strongpoints, killing or capturing the occupants. The splendid initiative and fighting spirit displayed by this gallant non-commissioned officer in dealing with a series of posts, in some cases single-handed, was largely responsible for the taking and clearing of a heavily fortified and strongly garrisoned position, and enabled his company to advance 3,000 yards along the Hindenburg support line.

Right after his brave actions, Thomas Neely was promoted to lance sergeant.

His Final Days

Sadly, Thomas Neely was killed in action just a few days later. This happened on October 1, 1918, in Rumilly-en-Cambrésis, near Cambrai, France. He was buried at Masnieres British Cemetery in Marcoing.

On February 27, 1920, King George V presented Thomas Neely's Victoria Cross to his parents. This special ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace.

Memorials and Medals

There are several memorials to honor Thomas Neely. There is a plaque at Lancaster Priory in Lancaster. There is also a memorial board in Wallasey Town Hall. His name is also on a plaque at the Birkenhead War Memorial, along with 11 other Victoria Cross winners from the Wirral Peninsula area.

Thomas Neely's family kept his medals for many years. In November 2010, his Victoria Cross and Military Medal were sold at an auction. A private buyer bought them for £110,000.