#Story of Bravery – Captain Henry Gallaugher – 11th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Henry Gallaugher was commissioned into the Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1914. On the first day of the Somme all his fellow officers were killed or wounded early. Henry was left to carry on; he noticed German snipers firing on the wounded, whereupon he shot a number of them.
By the time he reached his objective only nine of his platoon were still with him. He went into no-man’s land to collect wounded men. Later he carried a wounded officer back fom the German wire to his own lines. Two nights later he formed a party to rescue men who were still screaming in despair in no-man’s land. They rescued 28 men. He was recommended for a Victoria Cross but did not receive it as the 36th Division had received it’s quota. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Captain Henry Gallaugher DSO, 11th Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed at Messines Ridge on 07 June 1917 when gallantly leading his men in action.
Article Link also shows photograph of him, his medals and grave. http://www.inniskillingsmuseum.com/captain-henry-gallaugher-dso/
Diary page link shows his recommendation for the Victoria Cross by his Commanding Officer Lt. Col. A.C. Pratt. Link: https://talk.operationwardiary.org/#/subjects/AWD0003g9c
He was recommended for a Victoria Cross but did not receive it as the 36th Division had received it’s quota. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. First time I have come across a Recommendation Form for an award of a Victoria Cross. Tagged as Report.
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