Captain Cyril Edward Gourley VC MM (19 January 1893 – 31 January 1982) was a British Army officer and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Early life
Cyril Edward Gourley was born in Wavertree, Liverpool and educated at Calday Grange Grammar School and Liverpool University, graduating in 1913.
First World War service
Gourley had joined 7th Lancashire Battery of the IV West Lancashire (Howitzer) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) in May 1914. He was mobilised with his unit on the outbreak of war in August 1914 and went with it to the Western Front in September 1915. His battery was transferred to CCLXXVI (276) Brigade in 1916. In September 1917, he was serving near Ypres and was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry in putting out a fire near an ammunition dump.
Victoria Cross
Gourley was 24 years old, and a sergeant in D (Howitzer) Battery of 276th (West Lancashire) Brigade, RFA, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.