John Meany

Lance-sergeant  2nd Battalion, Irish Guards

• Note; according to birth, baptism and census records tne surname is MINEY,his fathers marriage registration shows MEANY is the correct name

John Moyney VC (8 January 1895 – 10 November 1980) was an Irish 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.

Military career

John Moyney was born in Rathdowney, County Laois, Ireland. He was 22 years old, and a lance-sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broenbeek, Belgium, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in command of 15 men forming two advanced posts. Surrounded by the enemy he held his post for 96 hours, having no water and very little food. On the fifth day, on the enemy advancing to dislodge him, he attacked them with bombs, while also using his Lewis gun with great effect. Finding himself surrounded, he led his men in a charge through the enemy and reached a stream, where he and a private (Thomas Woodcock) covered his party while they crossed unscathed, before crossing themselves under a shower of bullets.

Moyney later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died in Roscrea, County Tipperary on 10 November 1980. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Irish Guards RHQ), Wellington Barracks, London.