Medal & Mortality index
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
GATHER, Lieut. Geoffrey St. George Shillington ... Adjutant 9/Royal Irish
Fusiliers
Near HAMEL, FRANCE, 1st July, 1916. For most conspicuous bravery.
From 7 p.m. till midnight he searched " No Man's Land," and brought in three
wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another
wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later.
Finally, at 10.30 a.m., he took out water to another man and was proceeding
furtheron when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of
the enemy, and under direct machine-gun fire and intermittent artillery fire.
He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice.
[Reg. No. 685. Gazetted 22nd May, 1915. Killed 2nd July, 1916]