Stanley McDougall

Who was Stanley McDougall?

Stanley Robert McDougall VC, MM, was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 27 years old and a sergeant in the 47th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when he performed the following actions for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 March 1918 at Dernancourt, France, when an enemy attack succeeded in securing a foothold in the Allied line, McDougall charged the second wave single-handed, killing seven and capturing a machinegun, which he turned on the attackers, routing them and causing many casualties. He continued his attack until his ammunition ran out, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and an officer. Then, using a Lewis gun, he killed many more of the enemy and made it possible for 33 prisoners to be taken. His prompt action saved the line and halted the enemy advance.

Eight days later he repelled another enemy attack at the same spot, for which he was awarded the Military Medal.

McDougall died on 7 July 1968 in Scotsdale, Tasmania and is buried at Norwood Crematorium, Canberra. A street in Canberra is named after him.