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Fold3_Team

Fold3_Team  ·  31 Oct 2023

Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36605/supplement/3274. Major John Keefer Mahony, The Westminster Regiment (Motor), Canadian Infantry Corps. On 24th May 1944 at the River Melfa, Italy, Major Mahony and his company were ordered to establish the initial bridgehead over the river. This was accomplished and for five hours the company maintained its position in the face of enemy fire and attack until the remaining companies and supporting weapons were able to reinforce them. Early in the action Major Mahony was wounded in the head and twice in the leg, but he refused medical aid and continued to direct the defence of the bridgehead. The enemy saw that this officer was the soul of the defence and consequently made him their particular target.