Captain David Philip Hirsch VC

On 14 June 1917 the London Gazette citation for Captain Hirsch’s VC said; For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Having arrived at his objective, Capt Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over fire swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. Machine-gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine-gun fire and counter-attack until he was killed. His conduct throughout was a magnificent example of the greatest devotion to duty. This occurred at Wancourt on 23 April 1917.
David Philip Hirsch was from Leeds, born on 28 Dec 1896. He was the eldest son of Harry and Edith Hirsch of Westwood Grove, Leeds. He was head boy at Willeston School, Nantwich, and excelled at cricket, holding a record number of wickets taken by a bowler. He was also holder of the record for the mile. Not just sporty, but academic as well, winning an open exhibition in history to Worcester College, Oxford. However, war broke out so he left school in Dec 1914 and trained to be an officer at Leeds University. He was commissioned on 7 April 1915, into the 11th Bn West Yorks, but on 22 Sep 1915 transferred to the Green Howards. Before going to France he attended a machine-gun course and joined the 4th Battalion in April 1916.
He commanded the Battalion machine-gun section at Eaucourt L’Abbaye in the battle of the Somme, but was wounded. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant on 23 Sep 1916 at the age of 19. On 16 Nov he was given command of Y Company with the rank of acting captain. The battalion moved to Foucaucourt, then relieved French troops so that they were the on the extreme right of the British line on the Western Front. He was mentioned in despatches on 9 April 1917, but on 23 April he was killed in the act of leading and encouraging his men under fire at Wancourt.
His body was never recovered for burial but his name is inscribed on the Memorial to the Missing at Arras. His parents subscribed for a swimming pool in his name at Willeston School. There is also a plaque to his memory outside Leeds City Art Gallery and a Hirsch Close in Nantwich.

Regimental Details | Soldiers