Minister Humphries to attend memorial event for VC winner

A commemoration of the centenary of the death of Lt Samuel H Emerson (pictured) takes place on Sunday 3rd December 2017 at 2.30pm in Collon Church of Ireland.

The Irish Army will be represented and Minister for Arts & Culture Heather Humphreys will also attend. A delegation from Lt. Emerson ‘s old battalion The Inniskilling Fusiliers will be at the Church and the Louth /Meath branch of the ONE will also attend.

Second Lieutenant James Samuel Emerson was killed in action during World War 1 on Decemner 6th, 1917.

He was serving with the Inniskilling Fusiliers on the Hindenburg Line north of La Vacquerie, France when he was mortally wounded.

But he would be awarded the highest bravery honour a soldier can receive when awarded the Victoria Cross ( VC) for his courage that day.

The London Gazette reported on his ‘ conspicuous bravery’.

‘He led his company in an attack and cleared 400 yards of trench. Though wounded, when the enemy attacked in superior numbers, he sprang out of the trench with eight men and met the attack in the open, killing many and taking six prisoners.

‘For three hours after this, all other Officers having become casualties, he remained with his company, refusing to go to the dressing station, and repeatedly repelled bombing attacks.

‘Later, when the enemy again attacked in superior numbers, he led his men to repel the attack and was mortally wounded. His heroism inspired his men to hold out till reinforcements arrived.’

He was 22, and was a son of Mr. John Emerson and Mrs. Emerson. All are welcome.