Cyril Edward Gourley

Cyril Edward Gourley VC MM (19 January 1893 – 31 January 1982) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details
Gourley was 24 years old, and a sergeant in the 'D' Battery of the 276th (West Lancashire) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, British Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 30 November 1917 at Little Priel Farm, east of Epehy, France, during the Battle of Cambrai, Sergeant Gourley was in command of a section of howitzers. During an enemy advance, when their forces were within a few hundred yards of him, both to the front and on one flank, and though plagued by snipers, Sergeant Gourley managed to keep one gun firing. At one point he pulled the gun out of the pit and engaged a machine-gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit. All day he held the Germans in check, firing over open sights on enemy parties, thereby saving his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall.

He had been previously awarded the Military Medal in September 1917 for conspicuous gallantry in putting out a fire near an ammunition dump.

Citation
The VC was announced in the London Gazette on 13 February 1918 with the following citation:


 * For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a section of howitzers. Though the enemy advanced in force getting within 400 yards in front, between 300 and 400 yards on one flank and with snipers in the rear, Sergeant Gourley managed to keep one gun in action practically throughout the day. Though frequently driven off always returned, carrying ammunition, laying and firing the gun himself, taking first one and then another of the detachment to assist him. When the enemy advanced he pulled his gun out of the pit, and engaged a machine gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit. All day he held the enemy in check, firing with open sights at enemy parties in full view at 300 to 800 yards, and thereby saved his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall.

Further information
Cyril Edward Gourley was born in Wavertree, Liverpool and educated at Calday Grange Grammar School and Liverpool University, graduating in 1913. A small footpath running from Grammar School Lane, opposite the main entrance to the school, and leading to Column Road, is named in his honour as Gourley's Lane. The house he returned to after France still stands, although the gardens, created by Cyril have now been redeveloped as a small housing estate.

Gourley was originally denied a commission due to "defective eyesight", but later rose to the rank of Captain during his military career.

He died on 31 January 1982 at Haslemere, Surrey. He is buried in Grange Cemetery, West Kirby, Wirral.

The Cyril Edward Gourley, VC, Scholarship is awarded in his honour by Liverpool University.

The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich, London.