Saluting Two-Gun Harry
One of Australia’s greatest heroes will be celebrated today on the centenary of his gallantry at the Battle of Hamel, which earned him the Far North’s only Victoria Cross.
ONE of Australia’s greatest heroes will be celebrated today on the centenary of his gallantry at the Battle of Hamel, which earned him the Far North’s only Victoria Cross.
The son of an Irvinebank miner, Harry Dalziel received his VC for “conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty” from King George V at Buckingham Palace on December 13, 1918.
Swapping his usual driving job with the 15th Australian Infantry Battalion for the frontline at Hamel Wood in France, Two-Gun Harry – as he became known – charged a German machinegun nest under heavy fire on July 4, 1918.
“Private Dalziel dashed at it and with his revolver, killed or captured the entire crew and gun, and allowed our advance to continue,” his Citation says.
Despite being shot in the hand, Harry carried on.
“He twice went over open ground under heavy enemy artillery and machinegun fire to secure ammunition, and though suffering from considerable loss of blood, he filled magazines and served his gun until severely wounded through the head.
“His magnificent bravery and devotion to duty was an inspiring example to all his comrades and his dash and unselfish courage at a critical time undoubtedly saved many lives and turned what would have been a serious check into a splendid success,” it says.
Harry saw action at Gallipoli, Posieres, Messines and other battles and was said to have been wounded 32 times during World War I.
Skilful medical treatment in France and England saved his life and he lived to 72.
Harry’s son, David Dalziel, says his father declared at the age of seven: “Mummy, when I grow up I’m going to be a soldier of the Queen.”
Harry enlisted in Cairns in 1915 and became the 1000th VC three years later. He returned home to Atherton as a hero and was invited back to London in 1956 for the Centenary of the Victoria Cross.
David remembers his father dealing with “terrible headaches”, but continuing to inspire others. “I saw in the older man, the 25-year-old soldier of superhuman drive and stamina. Beyond that, his life was amazing anyway.”
For more details on Harry Dalziel VC, visit Cairns RSL or www.harrydalzielvc.org