Gabriel Coury


Gabriel Georges Coury VC, was an 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 British and Commonwealth forces.

Early years

Born on 13 June 1896 in Liverpool to Lebanese parents, he was educated at Stonyhurst College from 1907 to 1913. He worked as an apprentice in a cotton brokerage when the war broke out. Coury volunteered to join Kitchener's New Army in 1914.

Victoria Cross

While he was a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment , he performed deeds on 8 August 1916, near Arrow Head Copse, France for which he was awarded the VC. His actions also earned him a promotion to full lieutenant.

Citation

Royal Flying Corps

On 15 November 1916, Lieutenant Coury was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a flying officer. He was appointed a flying officer on 20 September 1917, although his seniority was dated from 28 August 1917.
On 1 April 1918, Coury was transferred to the Royal Air Force on its establishment, and he subsequently transferred to the RAF Administrative Branch on 20 September 1918. On 30 September 1918, Coury was promoted to temporary captain in the Medical section of the Administrative Branch. He mustered out as a captain when the war ended.

Post war

After the war, he returned to his old firm as a cotton broker. When the Second World War broke out, Coury joined the Royal Army Service Corps and participated in the Normandy Landings.

Legacy

Coury is honoured in a memorial which can be found in the main hall of his former school, St. Francis Xavier College, Liverpool. The current school site is on Beaconsfield Road, Liverpool. His VC is on display at the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum at Fulwood Barracks in Preston, Lancashire.