Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30523, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30523/supplement/2004. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 681886 Serjeant Cyril Edward Gourley, M.M., Royal Field Artillery (West Kirby). For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a section of howitzers. On 30th November 1917 at Little Priel Farm, east of Epehy, France, though the enemy advanced in force, getting within 400 yards in front, between 300 and 400 yards to one flank and with snipers in rear, Serjeant Gourley managed to keep one gun in action practically throughout the day. Though frequently driven off he always returned, carrying ammunition, laying and firing the gun himself, taking first one and then another of the detachment to assist him. When the enemy advanced he pulled his gun out of the pit and engaged a machine-gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit. All day he held the enemy in check, firing with open sights on enemy parties in full view at 300 to 800 yards, and thereby saved his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall. He had previously been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry. MILITARY MEDAL,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30287/supplement/9607. GAZETTE ISSUE 30287, MILITARY MEDAL, Awarded for bravery in the field.
Fold3_Team · 31/10/2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30523, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30523/supplement/2004. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 681886 Serjeant Cyril Edward Gourley, M.M., Royal Field Artillery (West Kirby). For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a section of howitzers. On 30th November 1917 at Little Priel Farm, east of Epehy, France, though the enemy advanced in force, getting within 400 yards in front, between 300 and 400 yards to one flank and with snipers in rear, Serjeant Gourley managed to keep one gun in action practically throughout the day. Though frequently driven off he always returned, carrying ammunition, laying and firing the gun himself, taking first one and then another of the detachment to assist him. When the enemy advanced he pulled his gun out of the pit and engaged a machine-gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit. All day he held the enemy in check, firing with open sights on enemy parties in full view at 300 to 800 yards, and thereby saved his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall. He had previously been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry. MILITARY MEDAL,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30287/supplement/9607. GAZETTE ISSUE 30287, MILITARY MEDAL, Awarded for bravery in the field.