Phillip Davey

Who was Phillip Davey?

Phillip Davey VC MM was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 21 years old, and a Corporal in the 10th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 June 1918, at Merris, France, when an enemy machine-gun was causing heavy casualties, Corporal Davey moved forward in the face of fierce point-blank fire, and attacked the gun with hand grenades, putting half the crew out of action. Having used all available grenades, he fetched a further supply and again attacked the gun, the crew of which had meantime been reinforced. He killed all eight of the crew and captured the gun, which he then used to repel a determined counter-attack, during which he was severely wounded.

Davey died on 21 December 1953; he was buried at the West Terrace AIF Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.