Martin Moffat

Martin Joseph Moffat VC (15 April 1882 – 5 January 1946) 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.

Martin Joseph Moffat
Born15 April 1882
Sligo, County Sligo
Died5 January 1946 (aged 63)
County Sligo
Buried
Sligo Town Cemetery, County Sligo
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankPrivate
UnitConnaught Rangers
Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War I
AwardsVictoria Cross
Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

Details

Moffat first served in the Connaught Rangers and was 34 years old private in the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 14 October 1918 near Ledeghem, Belgium, Private Moffat was advancing with five others across the open when they suddenly came under heavy rifle fire at close range from a strongly held house. Rushing towards the house through a hail of bullets, Private Moffat threw bombs and then, working to the back of the house, rushed the door, killing two and capturing 30 of the enemy.[1] [2]

He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Military Decoration by Belgium. His VC and other medals are on display at the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery in the Imperial War Museum, London.[3] Copies of his medals and a photograph are on display in Sligo County Museum, Stephen Street, Sligo.

References
  1. "No. 31082". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 December 1918. p. 15119.
  2. Christies auction details
  3. Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery

Listed in order of publication year

  • The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
  • Clarke, Brian D. H. (1986). "A register of awards to Irish-born officers and men". The Irish Sword. XVI (64): 185–287.
  • Ireland's VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development, 1995)
  • Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
  • Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
  • Symbol of Courage - The Men Behind the Medal (Max Arthur, 2005)
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