1206381 2nd Lt. Bernard Matthew Cassidy VC.British Army 2nd Btn. Lancashire Fusiliers from:London (d.28th March 1918) Bernard Cassidy was killed in action on the 28th of March 1918, aged 26. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial in the Fauburg-d'Amiens Cemetery in Arras, France, he was the son of Bernard and Julia Cassidy, of 29 Watford Rd, Victoria Docks, London.
An extract from the London Gazette, dated 30th April 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, and exceptional devotion to duty during an hostile attack. At a time when the flank of the division was in danger, Lt. Cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion, which was in close support. He was given orders prior to the attack that he must hold on to his position to the last. He most nobly carried this out to the letter. The enemy came on in overwhelming numbers and endeavoured to turn the flank. He, however, continually rallied his men under a terrific bombardment. The enemy were several times cleared out of the trench by his personal leadership. His company was eventually surrounded, but Lt. Cassidy still fought on, encouraging and exhorting his men until he was eventually killed. By his most gallant conduct the whole attack was held up at this point and the left flank was undoubtedly saved from what might have been a disaster."
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