Dulce et Decorum est pro Patria Mori
On April 25th, 1915, three companies and the head-quarters of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, in effecting a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula to the west of Cape Helles, were met by a very deadly fire from hidden machine-guns, which caused a great number of casualties. The survivors, however, rushed up to cut the wire entanglements, notwithstanding the terrific fire from the enemy; and, after overcoming supreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position maintained.
Among the many very gallant officers and men engaged in this most hazardous undertaking, Major R. R. Willis, Sergeant Richards, and Private Keneally were selected by their comrades as having performed the most signal acts of bravery and devotion to duty, and have been awarded the V.C.
THEY gave their lives for England: did not pause
To count the glorious cost, when England bade
Her sons to strive in Freedom's holy cause,
But armed to fight. Full soon they died, yet made
A name of lasting glory; gained applause
From all the brave; a fame which cannot fade.
We will not grieve for them, though when they fell
All joy seemed drowned in sorrow's seething tide,
No hope remained in Heaven, or Earth, or Hell,
And naught was left, save only that great pride
We feel in those brave deeds their comrades tell
Of them. Heroes amongst the brave they died.
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