George Onions
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'''George Onions''' [[Victoria Cross|VC]] (born [[Bilston]], [[Staffordshire]] [[March 2]], [[1883]] - died [[April 2]], [[1944]]) was an [[England|English]] recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]], the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] forces.
He was 35 years old, and a [[Lance-Corporal]] in the 1st Battalion, [[The Devonshire Regiment]], [[British Army]] during the [[World War I|First World War]] when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On [[22 August]] [[1918]] south of [[Achiet-le-Petit]], [[France]], Lance-Corporal Onions, having been sent out with one man to get in touch with the battalion on the right flank, saw the enemy advancing in large numbers. Seizing his opportunity, he boldly placed himself and his comrade on the flank of the advancing enemy and opened fire. When the enemy were about 100 yards from him the line wavered and some hands were thrown up, whereupon the lance-corporal rushed forward and helped by his comrade, took about 200 of the enemy prisoners and marched them back to his company commander.
He was later commissioned into the [[Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)|Rifle Brigade]]. After World War I, Onions served in the [[Auxiliary Division]] of the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]]. In 1939 he was commissioned a [[Captain]] in the [[Royal Warwickshire Regiment]] for National Defence, but resigned his commission in 1941.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the [[Military Museum of Devon and Dorset]] ''(Dorchester, Dorset, England)''.
==External links==
* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/birmingh.htm Location of grave and VC medal] ''(Birmingham)''
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7954630 Find-A-Grave profile (photo) for George Onions]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Onions, George}}
[[Category:1883 births]]
[[Category:1944 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Bilston]]
[[Category:Devonshire Regiment soldiers]]
[[Category:Rifle Brigade officers]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers officers]]
[[Category:British World War I Victoria Cross recipients]]
[[Category:Royal Irish Constabulary officers]]