Soldier Record

Bernard M Cassidy second lieutenant 2nd battalion, lancashire fusiliers a posthumous victoria cross. Citation 'for most conspicuous bravery,self-sacrifice, and exceptional devotion to duty during an hostile attack. at a time when the flank of the division was in danger'. Lieutenant cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion,which was in close support. He was given orders prior to the attack that he must hold on to his position to the last. He most nobly carried this out to the letter.The enemy came on in overwhelming numbers and endeavourd to turn the flank. HE, however, continually rallied his men under a terrific bombardment.The enemy were several times cleared out of the trench by his personal leadership. HIS company was eventually surrounded, but lieutenant cassidy still fought on, encouraging and exhorting his men until he was eventually killed. BY his most gallant conduct the whole attack was held up at this point and the left flank was undoubtedly saved from what might have been a disaster [ arras (france) 28 march 1918 ]