Lt Dease VC, WW1 | Shot in the knee & neck & chest, but stayed at his post

In this video Kevin Hicks explores the extraordinary courage of Lieutenant Maurice Dease VC, WW1 Victoria Cross winner who was shot in the knee and the neck yet still fought on manning one of the last machine guns at the bridge at Nimy, during the battle of Mons. We also remember and salute Private Sidney Godley VC, for his exceptional dedication and courage as he was left to man his machine gun alone so the rest of his company could retreat.
#WW1 #WorldWarOne #FirstWorldWar #WWI #LieutenantDease #LtDease #SidneyGodley #VictoriaCross #VC #VCWinners # VictoriaCrossWinners
For more WW1 videos check out this playlist..... • World War One
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IMAGE CREDITS:
Pte Sidney Godley Wedding Photo courtesy of the Fusilier Museum London fusiliermuseum...
Map of Belgium: OCHA, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons commons.wikime...
Lt Dease headstone courtesy of ww1cemeteries.com
www.ww1cemeter...

[@HzHzder]

As a miniature painter myself i know for a fact that assembling this beautiful diorama must have taken a lot of time and effort, its whats sets this channel apart from others. The diorama really shows the battle in a way that just photos and such would hardly be able to grasp.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much Grufus, it's always good to know that my modelling efforts are appreciated. 👍🏻

[@FitzChivalryFarseer2]

Only way to improve from here is pew pew noises and moving tiny figures

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Yeah very true..

[@Punky64]

Lt dease is my first cousin 3 times removed cousin’s cousin. It warms me fully to see his story told with such passion.

[@Tom-ih8gr]

The BBC’s Our War WW1 episode which featured this really is one of the most spectacular bits of television I’ve ever seen. Released back in 2014 for the 100th anniversary of the battle. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who finds this interesting, doesn’t glamourise it at all yet truly brings to life the realities of war for the individual men on the ground.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

That was my first exposure to this subject.

[@campcookhenry]

Kevin have you done a video on the British expeditionary force in Palestine in the first world war that’s where my grandfather went from ulster if you’ve done one I’ll just go look at it ,thanks again Kevin

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Its really really great, wasnt too fussed about the other episodes but the Mons depiction was just brilliant

[@davidstrother496]

These men showed the extraordinary bravery combat produces in even the most ordinary men. I'm sure there were lots of other incidents of extreme bravery at the bridge, but we'll never know I guess. Thanks for the video, and thanks for the shout out. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers David, as ever I appreciate your support 👍🏻

[@harrywright5705]

I know can you even imagine the story’s that have never been herd before. truely astonishing onestly

[@jessejames7757]

Remember The Alamo!

[@TheLadyT23]

Such brave soldiers, we salute you.

[@Peter-2704]

Loved the way you told this storey, just the way it was told to me growing up. Sid Godley was my Nan's brother, I believe he gave her away at her and my granddad's wedding. Great model as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

That model was really well built and it immersed me in the battle. Those were some very brave men who sacrificed a lot for our way of life.

[@ronstreet6706]

I saw a youtube video about this battle quite a few years ago, but, instead of a railway bridge, they portrayed it as a road bridge. It still didn't take away from those brave men the gallantry and sheer will needed to keep fighting, even when all seemed lost.

[@seancdf8978]

Visited this bridge with my Dad just a few months ago at the height of summer, Lt Dease VC’s origins in Co. Westmeath Ireland and us being Irishmen meant the bridge was an unmissable part of the visit. Was fantastic to be right where those men made their stand, fantastic video as always Kevin 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Sean 👍🏻

[@wolfgangholtzclaw2637]

You are a master Kevin. That WWI story of Lt Dease would bring tears to anyone. War is always fought and won by young soldiers who would rather be elsewhere. I am sure no one was enjoying being on that bridge, but there they were giving their last energies to save their own. Peace and Love!

[@phillipallen3259]

The First World War was a transition war. Much like the American Civil War, the technology had advanced much faster than the mindset of the high command. Antiquated tactics forced young men to die because they were not trained how to conduct themselves with the weapons they had. The one thing that shines through is the bravery of young men. Lads hardly old enough to shave are asked, no order to hold a position, to stop an enemy assault, and try with everything they have within them and sometimes more. Wonderful storytelling Kevin! Well done!

[@alecblunden8615]

I'm not to sure the issue was technology v tactics. The technology of defence simply exceeded the technology of offence with tactics dictated by necessity, not preferences.

[@andydavidson]

What a fantastic story of valour on both sides, Dease and Godley for their brave defence of the bridge and also you have to acknowledge the bravery of German troops ordered to advance over the bridge into a hail storm of British lead from the two guns.

[@andrewjohnson-hr6qv]

Thank you Kevin. My Great Grandad fought in the 1st World War. He went as a young lad and came back full of holes ( his words) He was classified as unfit because of his injuries so was medically discharged. He started working in Cotton Mill until the outbreak of WW2 when he tried to enlist again but was turned away. He died in 1972.

[@constancemiller3753]

My grandfather was 'full of holes' too. Shrapnel and gas took his lung. He volunteered at the veterans hospital with my mother (age 7-13) during WW2. Mum remembered folding massive bandages of gauze. She would tell me that those bandages were horrible to remove but she didn't know that while she cheerfully folded them up.

[@johnhenderson131]

I can relate, my grandfather also fought in WWI. He saw action in Palestine and then assigned to the western front at the Ypres Salient. The British army was exposed on 3 side and as a result he was wounded in the back of the neck. The wound never healed properly due to infection. They declared him unfit for further combat so he worked the remainder of his life in the “Pits” the coal mines. The conditions in the coal mines were horrendous and I think it lead to his early death. He past away in 1954 before I was born so I was robbed of the opportunity of ever knowing him. Those men, like your great grandfather, lead difficult lives and must have been incredibly strong men. I have the utmost respect, gratitude and admiration for people like your great grandfather and my grandfather. Thanks for sharing your family history. Take care and stay safe, Sincerely, Doc

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

WOW..What an absolute unit and HERO your great grandad was Andrew?? SALUTE🫡to him and thank you for his service and men we're totally built different back then mate..

[@AWGragg007]

He sounds like a true soldier for sure. R.I.P.

[@nicholisredfern7463]

And another historical bridge battle I recalled after watching this video is the Battle Of Antietam. It was the single most bloodiest battle in a single day in American History during the Civil War. And the bridge you constructed looks amazing! What a story of never letting up.

[@robcanisto8635]

Burnside's Bridge seems an example of monomaniacal obsession with a bridge for a bridges sake, it seems the corps could've made it across at points besides that bridge but staff work gonna staff work poorly sometimes

[@bostonrailfan2427]

i’m fine with not covering the American Civil War, although covering the response by the UK regarding the Trent Affair would be interesting…nearly had the War of 1812 happen again and this time no French distractions!

[@lorrainenelis1113]

A humbling account of real stoicism and indomitable spirit combined with true comradeship.

[@JagerLange]

This action is stuck in my memory from the Richard Holmes series (name of which escapes me right now) where he was talking in front of this bridge. Genuinely sad that I didn't get to meet him before he died. Lovely model too - my favourite dioramas are the ones where there are little "stories" taking place over different parts when you look close at them, rather than just representing some mass action to scale. This one has that feel too.

[@leoscheibelhut940]

Amazing and perfectly told! Great diorama! My grandfather was an American officer in WW1, was gassed, and later served in the Occupation of Germany.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Kevin, your research is outstanding and professional. Thank you for your service. What heroic actions and bravery. Pure care for each other. May GOD bless

[@patrickbo2045]

A battle valiantly fought is never lost!

[@la_old_salt2241]

As always I am so humbled by these men, recipients of the MOH and VC. Where do we find such men? And, are there any like them left? I hope there are for all our sake. God bless Kevin. Rob

[@PSDuck216]

Great story about bravery and grit. All I can say is “wow!” Cheers!

[@loddude5706]

Amazing that a burst of pain, wisely focused through the anger to sheer bloody-mindedness, can achieve so much.

[@tsifj]

Thanks for the video Squad! The model was great! The scene with Godley, alone, was chilling.

[@nicolasjohnson5112]

Uncle Kevin, you’re truly the best that mankind has to offer. A man who not only loves his country but also fought for it in more ways than can be imagined. Please keep up the hard work. 🇺🇸💪🏼🇬🇧

[@stevebailey325]

I spent 4 years in the USMC and I am constantly amazed at the strength and courage of these men. I put myself in their position and honestly don't know know how I would react. Salute to all of them.

[@Jason-ts1rx]

Love the model, added to the story. Great work.

[@joanofarc708]

Rip to all those brave men and animals on both sides who died for a senseless war fought by the workin classes

[@andrewbuckner127]

Thank you for bringing life to history. I have read of this incident, but now it's real.

[@KGatLC]

+1 on model, Mr. Hicks. It certainly helps to illustrate the story.

[@frankieblue1945]

Excellent work Sir. Thank you for the history lesson; being an American these are the lessons we didn't learn in school.

[@iainwill3493]

Fantastic model; really brought the story to life :)

[@Aramis419]

Fine model! I fancy myself an amateur historian - complete with a tweed suit - but as a Yank, there are so many stories I don’t know! Thanks, history squad!

[@garychynne1377]

speechless. thumbs up kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Gary, quite some guys eh?

[@resnonverba137]

Thank you very for your efforts in keeping the memory of these brave men alive. My respect to you.

[@remb9614]

What a great group of guys! Much like our very own Kevin H!

[@TouchéandDumDum]

Hello kevin, great video , these were men with lion hearts and great courage, proper men. You're certainly a gentleman whom knows his stuff and your wisdom and expertise is brilliant.

[@jefflatham3247]

And yes, this is an interesting video on the history of the G.W. but foremost, it is a lesson on character and dedication to a cause greater than oneself "yeah".....thank You Mr Hicks!

[@johntailing5283]

I just can’t understand why I keep coming back, , , , these stories just break my heart, amazing courage from what we would consider to be kids! God bless them all ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

That's for sure. Thanks John, these stories deserve to be told 👍🏻

[@charlescorris3469]

Another great story. I do like your model it’s fantastic. So lifelike and realistic laid out in a completely believable manner as the true position just amazing.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much!

[@ninthhouse6602]

Amazing story!!!! Loved the model too Kev!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Great, thanks 👍🏻

[@genogallaher837]

Thank You, Mr. Hicks Great model; Great video ...

[@49mrbassman]

Amazing video. When I was just a young lad of 8 or 9 I was given a whole set of books "The 1st World War in Pictures" these plus many visits to the original Imperial War Museum on the site of the old Bedlam Hospital, gave me an interest in the that war that has lasted throughout my life. Your videos really bring these battles to life.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great to hear, thank you.

[@bobbypugh2666]

Now you have me trying my hand at this model building. Fantastic film as always. VC is such an amazing award, we obviously copy our Congressional Medal of Honor after it. Love more of these Kevin. Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Bobby & good luck!

[@floydstowe]

Wow great story extraordinary bravery. Fantastic job on the bridge layout

[@richardlangellotti6208]

Beautiful model, Kevin. As a model railroad guy, i can really appreciate the trestle. In fact, i need one just about like that for the part of my layout I'm working on.

[@fangslaughter1198]

Love the modelling. As well the cinematography is brilliant. Putting our view down at head level is a great effect. 👍👍 Cheers Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Pat, Julie says thanks too 👍🏻

[@Sinn0100]

You should get a tattoo saying "I've been busy building models." I love the models, all of them.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@markrunnalls7215]

Amazing bravery to both men, and to think that private went back to civvy Street as a care taker, you can't help but feel he should have been more than that, given that he won the VC. Nice one Kevin. 👍👍👍

[@j_taylor]

I wonder if he just enjoyed the peace. One of the dads in my Boy Scout troop was the mildest man you would meet. I overheard some stories he told other dads about his time as a Green Beret. The stories were about things he saw, like the chap who fell while they were training to scale cliffs (he said they were allowed to use ropes after that!), never about himself. I figured he had as much excitement as he wanted.

[@smomasaskatoon3532]

Thanks for the video, a great story. Those men, and so many like them showed such courage.

[@kellybohart6861]

Thank You Kevin! What a wonderful story.

[@kerorogunso961]

Its awesome to know you do model railroads as well. This channel just keeps getting better haha

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it! 👍🏻

[@davidnewzealand6807]

Thank you Kevin. Great model mate. Well done. Goes a long way to the enjoyment and understanding of what occurred.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@peterrussell9231]

Thank you

[@theblackprince1346]

Great video Kevin as always. My great great uncle was killed at Mons. He was with the Queen's Own Royal West Kents.

[@thehistorysquad]

Gosh one of the old regiments, a lot of people wouldn't even know some of these existed. 👍🏻

[@philipdemaeyer1665]

I have been so many times in Mons, and never knew this. My friend makes daily deliveries in Mons. I’m going to send this film to him. He’ll love it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Philip, thanks for your comment and for sharing the video. Where Lt Dease is buried, I could sit for ages, it's a most peaceful and reflective place.

[@philipdemaeyer1665]

@@thehistorysquad rightly so. For his sacrifice, he deserves to have a peaceful resting place. God bless him, and preserve his peace.

[@shonamcwilliam4171]

Your models help enormously to understand, way more than reading about it. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear that!

[@Qugar666]

Wow just utter wow..

[@johnspizziri1919]

I cannot imagine the courage and fortitude of these guys- jus ordinary men- doing the most extraordinary things. Thank you for your work, Sir!

[@wookie-zh7go]

I was awe struck when I first heard this action of the BEF. Sidney's story has been a source of inspiration and motivation ever since I heard it. Thank you for sharing it.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Thank you Kevin, love the history of VC recipients. Would be nice to see more. 👍

[@richardslaubaugh2368]

Kevin the accurate model I find exceptional thank you for this. I hope you like making them.

[@thehistorysquad]

I do indeed, thanks 👍🏻

[@richardslaubaugh2368]

@@thehistorysquad Kevin I stumbled upon your channel several months ago and love all of your content. I’m American but find English history so fascinating.

[@paul5403]

Great video, I really do like these type of videos. They show us what we are capable of doing under extreme stress . The bravery and courage of these blokes is truly inspirational. To be wounded and to continue to fight is bravery at its highest. It is extremely humbling to know these stories and thank you for telling them and keeping these men alive in our hearts .

[@lcpltpow5870]

I couldn't imagine advancing through a narrow bridge with no cover facing thousands of .303 rounds. Such courage on both sides. The audio interviews from British veterans of the engagement are very interesting. I was lucky enough to watch a parade through Mons, although I was wounded at the time and couldn't take part

[@justinwarren7643]

Thanks!

[@notwocdivad]

Living up here in Northumberland about 20 miles from Alnwick ( pronounced ANIK) castle I have visited many times. In one of the outer towers of the castle is the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (RNF) Museum which is a must visit place for me. I was lucky in my last few years of working before retirement to be paired with an ex soldier from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers What he called 2RF, for Royal Regiment = 2R F Obviously Fusilier, He served with them all over the world and told some amazing stories. I have a WW1 Machine gun Regiment Swagger Stick upstairs another treasured possession.

[@ArbyTV]

just refreshed my feed and saw this uploaded 30 seconds ago!!

[@nancybradford8514]

Wow, what an impressive story, thank you 😊

[@michaelpage4199]

Truly an amazing story. Salute to all who gave all

[@beanie1792]

Absolute heroes! Immense bravery, courage and inner steel. I love the video's so does my friend. Only discovered your channel a week ago and watched probably 60-70% of them already. Very few people can tell stories or history like yourself. Absolutely brilliant work. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Beanie, I appreciate that, thanks.

[@hemaccabe4292]

If I ever get back to old London town, I shall try to visit the Tower and see this Fusilier museum. If I do, and I see the citations, I shall knuckle my head in respect.

[@kakarikiIck]

At the end great model Kevin!

[@bcfcbennjy99]

Another brilliant video thank you.

[@davidgaine4697]

Thank you Kevin for this interesting video. My brother served in Northern Ireland in REMI. He said he didn’t have PTSD because he shot back at anyone shooting at him. He got sober in Hong Kong and finished his tour in Malawi. He is a classic car mechanic now and supplies historically accurate productions for film and television. You veterans are much appreciated if unsung. My Father served in the Baltic convoys to relieve Leningrad. My other brother tracked down a relative of our great grandfather who served in WWI. All the rest were academics or clergy. I’m neither but I love military history even though I never served. Good luck to you and I look forward to more videos from the History Squad.

[@sherryackerman5362]

Love your bridge, it helps us visualize the battle. Keep up the good work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@ianatkins1213]

Thanks Kevin. Great work on the model and the interesting presentation.

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@mickusable]

Nice one Kevin, in my eyes, from officers to enlisted of all our forces past and present, they / you are all heroes and we thank you all for our freedom, Lest we Forget

[@mistertibbs472]

Kevin are you familiar with the story of Lachhiman Gurung? He was a Gurkha rifleman who received the Victoria Cross during WWII while fighting in Burma. While protecting his position his hand was blown off and was injured all over his body by a faulty grenade, but he continued to hold off the Japanese for 4 hours with his rifle using only his left hand. He held his position against 200 Japanese soldiers and killed over 30 and he survived after holding his position for 3 days.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's a story for my collection for sure. I served alongside the Gurkhas and used to visit their museum and guard room, I was always humbled by it, as the walls just oozed heroism.

[@kiwifruit27]

Great retelling of a fascinating story. Thanks

[@jintsfan]

Maurice Dease VC was born in Ireland with, seen here, a lifetime allegiance to Great Britain.

[@johnhenderson131]

I realize this is off point but it was an incredible revaluation to me when you said the British army hadn’t fought in Europe since the Napoleonic Wars. I always think of the British Empire being at war but those were colonial wars and the Boer Wars, not in Europe. It’s just an historical fact that never occurred to me but , what…1815 to 1914, that’s nearly a century! I dislike being ignorant of historical military facts such as that! Thanks for the lesson. Sincerely, Doc I have been to the Tower of London and was fortunate enough to visit the memorials mentioned but that was in the late 1960’s. Your video was fascinatingly informative as always, cheers.

[@lanielorah8021]

Very good kevin

[@lanielorah8021]

I have had a south African rebuilt.also had a so. Afrikan made barrel ,strong lands and grooves, and lithgow on the rreciever band...303 lee Enfield beautiful rifle. Norma ammo ain't cheap.wel balanced rifle.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Impeccable as always sir.

[@jb-fy1oc]

Great video and great model. Any chance we can have a movie about your railway layout? 😊

[@johnridgeway6718]

Terrific presentation. Thank you.

[@pkj77]

WOW that was an insane sand by the British in WW1, oh yes your model as usual great....stay safe, cheers...Peter from Denmark

[@katthompson3852]

Thank Kevin Hicks. That was... as always ... really well told. Totally captured the imagination. It's so hard to imagine what those chaps went through. A very old friend of mine survived both wars ... he was a Lewis Tully gunman. He put his survival down to being the machine gunner. Had two pieces of shrapnel in his skull... there for the rest of his life... made me feel them. He was proud and rightly so. Love your model! Really superb. I'm a doblo trainy meself ... really cool model. As always ... cheers from NZ.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Kat, much appreciated 👍🏻

[@half-a-man8182]

I could picture this story in my head, and your model brought it into focus, thank you.

[@williamwallace9427]

Unfathomable bravery

[@PhoenixAUT]

Thanks from Vienna!

[@thehistorysquad]

Hello there Harald in Vienna, thanks for the SUPER, most kind of you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻

[@leddielive]

Two very brave men, they literally stuck by their guns, not sure I could've done the same & hope I'm never put in a position to find out. These guys were made of different stuff to the rest of us & its sad only one survived such a slaughterous battle, many young men died on both sides.

[@oneinchme3289]

Love the model! Always intresting and enjoyable! 😃

[@nickbaker2566]

I believe there is an excellent docudrama about this as part of the Our world war trilogy.

[@TheOnceMoreGaming]

I love your site. I remember 20 years ago I saw a history channel program featuring you. It was a short bit. I am so glad you are still around! I love how you tell stories.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you! I'm glad I'm still around too, just a bit greyer lol

[@willm156]

I think what is particularly harrowing regarding these early battles in the First World War is that it is like the ball has officially started rolling and there's no stopping it. The first attack on the bridge being cut down is rightfully as you say - hell. To think what depths man descends below this in the next four years is a little sickening.

[@allanburt5250]

Wonderful story

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching

[@als3022]

I have found it interesting that this story didn't appear to be well known until the century mark in 2014. Good to hear it here and hopefully more stories like it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I hope to find some more 👍🏻

[@elliewuzzup7689]

Something I still can't wrap my head around, the oldest living woman (who is French) was *ten* when all of this was happening! Virtually in her backyard!!

[@MrMali22]

That model is beautiful. And that work on such small pieces. If i could I would buy stuff like that from you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Maybe one day! I have lots more videos to make until then 😜

[@dhireshnandha3319]

That's courage..❤❤❤

[@themightyspoon9641]

I reckon ‘the courage of: so and so’ would make a great series

[@thehistorysquad]

Good idea 👍🏻