The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded
for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed
forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire
territories.
The following is an excerpt from the plaque at the rest area,
and is based on the original citation,
John Edmondson VC NX15705 Corporal John Hurst EDMONDSON 2/17th
Australian Infantry Battalion AIF 13th April 1941 at Tobruk,
Libya
"On the night of 13th-14th April 1941, a party of German
infantry broke through the wire defences at Tobruk and established
themselves with at least six machine guns, mortars and two small
field pieces. It was decided to attack them with bayonets, and a
party consisting of one officer, Corporal Edmondson and five
privates, took part in the charge. During the counter-attack
Corporal Edmondson was wounded in the neck and stomach, but
continued to advance under heavy fire, killing one enemy with his
bayonet. Later his officer had his bayonet in one of the enemy and
was grasped about the legs by him, when another attacked him from
behind. He called for help, and Corporal Edmondson, who was some
yards away, immediately came to his assistance and in spite of his
wounds, killed both of the enemy. This action undoubtedly saved his
officer's life. Shortly after returning from this successful
counter-attack, Corporal Edmondson died of wounds. His actions
throughout the operations were outstanding for resolution,
leadership and conspicuous bravery."
(London Gazette: 4th July, 1941)
John Hurst EDMONDSON was born at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales on
8th October, 1914. He is buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery,
Libya.
FTF honours go to
McPhan
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