William McNally facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William McNally
VC MM
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| Born | 16 December 1894 Murton, County Durham, England |
| Died | 1 May 1976 (aged 81) Murton, County Durham, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 13820 |
| Unit | Green Howards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossMilitary Medal & bar |
William McNally (born December 16, 1894 – died January 5, 1976) was a brave soldier from England. He served in the British Army during World War I. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award a soldier can get for showing incredible bravery in battle. It is given to British and Commonwealth forces for amazing courage when facing the enemy. He also received the Military Medal (MM) and a Bar, showing his continued bravery.
A Hero in World War I
William McNally was 23 years old when he showed incredible courage. He was a sergeant in the 8th Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment. This was part of the Green Howards, a famous British Army unit. His brave actions happened during the First World War.
Amazing Bravery in Italy
On October 27, 1918, Sergeant McNally was fighting near the Piave River in Italy. His company was having a very hard time. Enemy machine-gun fire was stopping them from moving forward.
Sergeant McNally did not think about his own safety. He bravely ran towards the machine-gun post all by himself. He managed to defeat the enemy team and capture their machine-gun. This was a very dangerous and heroic act.
More Acts of Courage
Just two days later, on October 29, Sergeant McNally showed his bravery again. This time, he was at a place called Vazzola. He quietly snuck up behind an enemy post. He surprised the soldiers there, making them run away. He then captured another machine-gun.
On the same day, Sergeant McNally and his group were holding a newly captured ditch. The enemy launched a strong attack from both sides. But Sergeant McNally stayed calm. He skillfully directed his team's fire. He stopped the enemy attack and caused them heavy losses. His quick thinking and leadership saved his group.
Where to See His Award
Sergeant McNally's Victoria Cross is a very important medal. It is on display at the Green Howards Museum. This museum is in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England. You can see it there alongside other medals. One of these is the medals of James Hall, who was also from Murton and a brave soldier.
