| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/18815 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Location | Main Bld: Hall of Valour: Main Hall: Mont St Quentin and Peronne |
| Maker |
Hancocks |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London |
| Date made | c 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Victoria Cross : Corporal Alexander Henry Buckley, 54 Battalion, AIF
Description
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action.
History / Summary
Alexander Henry Buckley was born at Warren, New South Wales on 22 July 1891. He was a 24-year-old farmer near Gulargambone when he enlisted in the AIF in February 1916. He joined 54 Battalion on the Somme in November. The following year he fought at Bullecourt and in the battle of Polygon Wood. In April 1918 his battalion moved back to the Somme and took part in the allied counter-offensive which began in August.
Buckley was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross following his battalion's operation at Péronne. The 54th was to take the ground between the town and the river, then move into Péronne "if not too strongly opposed". They moved forward in drizzle and cleared the first line of German trenches, but were then held up by a nest of machine-guns. Buckley charged forward, shot four of the post's occupants and took 22 prisoners. He was killed by machine-gun fire while rushing a second enemy machine gun post that was covering entry to the town. The recommendation for the award reads:
'At PERONNE, during operations on the 1st/2nd September 1918, for most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After passing the first objective his half Company and part of the company on the flank were held up by an enemy machine gun nest. With one man he rushed the post shooting 4 of the occupants and taking 22 prisoners. Later on reaching the moat another machine gun nest commanded the only available foot bridge. Whilst this was being engaged from a flank this N.C.O. endeavoured to cross the bridge and rush the post, but was killed in the attempt.
Throughout the advance, he had displayed great initiative, resource, and courage, being a great inspiration to his men.’
Buckley was initially buried in an 'isolated grave s/e of Radegonde ¼ mles [sic] W. of Peronne' and later re-interred in the Péronne Communal Cemetery Extension.
Buckley's service medals for the First World War are not held by the Memorial.