Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Mons - Nimy

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.
Nimy Rail Bridge

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.
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.
Nimy - VC action location

Lt Dease & Pvt Godley VC action Nimy Rail Bridge

Nimy Rail Bridge - VC Memorial
 
Lt Maurice Dease VC

Maurice James Dease VC

Pvt Sidney Godley VC

Sidney Frank Godley VC