Friday 19 September 2008

Lieutenant Edward Francis Dougherty, MC

Born on 4 August 1875 in Litchfield, Minnesota - husband of Rose Dougherty, Winnipeg, Manitoba - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as wife, trade as broker, Church of England, no current or previous military service,

Joined the 212th Battalion, CEF, in Port William, Ontario, on 25 April 1916 - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 11 January 1918 - wounded on 17 March 1918 - invalided to England on 24 March 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 16 September 1918 - wounded on 3 November 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 9 November 1918 - invalided sick to England on 2 March 1919.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near Valenciennes from 1st to 6th November, 1918. He led forward a fighting patrol to clear the enemy from the south of the city. On his way he captured two machine gun posts, killing the garrison, in the face of heavy fire. During the advance on several occasions he led his platoon forward in the most gallant manner, and, at one time, when the left flank was left open, he crossed a heavily shelled area to establish touch with the flanking battalion. His work throughout was of the highest character, and the example he set his men cannot be overestimated." - unit recommendation dated November 1918: "For gallantry during the operations in the vicinity of Valenciennes from Nov. 1 to 5/18."

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