Godfrey Meynell (VC, MC)(30 May 1904 -29 September 1935) 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.

Details

He was 31 years old, and a captain in the Corps of Guides, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army during the Mohmand Campaign, India (2nd).

On 29 September 1935 at Mohmand, on the North West Frontier, India, in the final phase of an attack, Captain Meynell, seeking information on the most forward troops, found them involved in a struggle against an enemy vastly superior in numbers. He at once took command and with two Lewis guns and about 30 men maintained a heavy and accurate fire on the advancing enemy, but their overwhelming numbers nevertheless succeeded in reaching the position and putting the Lewis gun out of action. In the hand-to-hand struggle which ensued, Captain Meynell was mortally wounded, but the heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy prevented them from exploiting their success.

The medal

Meynell's cross is in family hands in Meynell Langley Hall, above a plaque which gives details of his gallant actions.

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