The next position the Germans reached was Nimy, west of
Obourg. It was here that the 4th Royal Fusiliers held a road and
rail bridge.
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Nimy Rail Bridge |
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Nimy Road Bridge |
As the German pressure grew, and with the Middlesex retreating on
their right flank, the Fusiliers were forced to conform with the movement, and
began their own withdrawal.
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Nimy - attack on the bridge |
During this action Lieutenant Maurice Dease and private
Sydney Godley held two battalions of German infantry manning a machine gun on Nimy Railway Bridge. They
continued firing till their ammunition ran out. Both men were awarded
the Victoria Cross, the first of the Great War. Dease was mortally wounded, and
Godley was taken a Prisoner of War.
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Nimy - VC action location |
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Lt Dease & Pvt Godley VC action Nimy Rail Bridge |
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Nimy Rail Bridge - VC Memorial |