Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews

Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews VC was born in Keadue, County Cavan, Ireland on 29 July, 1911.

He was an Irish 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.

Details

He was 28 years old, and a captain in The East Lancashire Regiment, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the night of 31 May/1 June, 1940 near Dunkirk, France, the company commanded by Captain Ervine-Andrews was heavily outnumbered and under intense German fire. When the enemy attacked at dawn and crossed the Canal de Bergues, Captain Ervine-Andrews, with volunteers from his company, rushed to a barn and from the roof shot 11 of the enemy with a rifle and many more with a Bren gun.

When the barn was shattered and alight, he sent the wounded to the rear and led the remaining eight men back, wading for over a mile in water up to their chins.

Remarks

He attempted to return home after the war, but was driven out by the IRA, and later settled in Cornwall.

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The last Irish VC to die, he died on 30 March, 1995, aged 83.

Memorial at Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire.

The medal

The medal is now held in Blackburn museum having been donated by the recipient's family.

References

Listed in order of publication year

• The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
• The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
• Irelands VCs (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
• British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

• Captain H.M. Ervine Andrews in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives
• Location of grave and VC medal (Cornwall)

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