POPE’s VC ACTION
Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3444 PTE W. PIERCE 11/BN AIF (L-CPL ON PAIR).
POPE’s VC “On 15 April 1917 at Louverval, France, during the Battle of Lagnicourt, he was in command of a very important picquet post, with orders to hold it at all costs amidst a heavy German attack. The enemy, in greatly superior numbers, attacked and surrounded the post and ammunition was running short. Pope, in a desperate bid to save the position, was "seen to charge with his men into a superior enemy force, by which they were overpowered", although heavy losses were inflicted. He had "obeyed the order to hold out to the last" and his lifeless body, along with those of most of his men, was found amongst 80 enemy dead.
The 11th Battalion, despite suffering over 245 casualties, was subsequently able to hold their sector of the line. For his actions Pope was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross”
Volume IV, page 373 of Charles Bean’s Official history states the following in regards to Private Pierce in the action;
“Another man, Private W. Pierce (of Perth, W. Aust.), who volunteered to bring ammunition, managed to return with it to his post, though wounded.”
“MISSING IN ACTION” 16TH April 1917.
“Wounded and captured Cambrai” later confirmed on German list dated 30th July 1917
Prisoner of War – Interned Hilfs Lazarett Hohenzollern Park Magdeburg “Extract Post-Card from man dated 4.7.17”
Red Cross file records a postcard from Cpl Pierce now interned at Alten Grabow 1st December 1917 stating the following;
“My parcels come very good. I could not wish for better. If I want anything I will let you know. I am keeping the best of health.”
Repatriated Prisoner of War 19th December 1918
RTA: 19th April 1919
Good VF SOLD
