James Scully (GC)
(20/10/1909 - 28/12/1974)
James Patrick Scully (20 October 1909 – 28 December 1974) was an Irish hero whose valorous actions during World War II earned him the George Cross, Britain’s highest award for gallantry not in the face of the enemy. He was one of the first Catholics to receive the award and has his heroics were celebrated in The Hornet comic book. At the time of sale in 2011 his medals sold for a world record fee of £72,000.
Born in Bolton Parade(off Bolton Street to Thomas and Bridget Scully (nee O’Shaughnessy), he grew up with two brothers and five sisters. In 1911, they were living in Grenville Street. Although many sources online references say he was born or grew up in Crumlin, he did not but he lived in 22 Faughart Road, Crumlin in the late 1930s and it this address was used when his medals were announced. After completing his basic education in Dublin, Scully sought work in England, where he moved to London at the age of 16 in 1925. There, he found employment as a labourer, working across various parts of the city before the outbreak of World War II.
In 1938, Scully married Mary Hannah, and together they raised a family of five daughters and a son. When World War II erupted, Scully joined the Pioneer Corps, becoming part of the 256th Company under the command of Lieutenant Charles Cummins Chittenden. It was during this time that his bravery shone through amidst the chaos of the war.
During the harrowing nights of March 12–13, 1941, amid the devastation caused by enemy air raids, Lance Corporal James Scully and Lieutenant Charles Cumming Chittenden of the 256th Pioneer Corps exhibited extraordinary bravery in rescuing two civilians trapped under rubble in Carnforth Street, Birkenhead. Their heroic actions would later earn them the George Cross and George Medal, respectively.
A parachute mine had detonated, levelling houses and shops in the area. At approximately 11:30 p.m., an Air Raid Warden approached Lieutenant Chittenden, stationed at 16 Shrewsbury Road, seeking assistance. Chittenden promptly mobilised 24 men and arrived at the scene, where the team began clearing debris by hand. It was here that Lance Corporal Scully discovered a man and a woman trapped under the ruins of No. 7 Carnforth Street.
Recognizing the peril, Scully, with Chittenden close behind, crawled into the unstable wreckage to reach the victims. Despite the constant threat of collapse, they worked tirelessly to shore up the debris using improvised supports. Scully protected the victims by placing steel helmets over their faces, a precaution that likely saved their lives. He kept the injured woman, Mrs. Walsh, calm with constant reassurance and assisted a doctor in administering morphine to both victims.
As the hours passed, the weight of the collapsing structure increased. Scully positioned himself under a plank to prevent further debris from crushing the trapped individuals. Despite exhaustion, he continued to shield the victims, even as the props slipped and he was forced to bear the weight directly on his back. Chittenden supported the other end of the plank and ensured Scully’s head was clear of debris, offering him water and encouragement.
For nearly seven hours, Scully held his position, refusing to abandon the victims despite the imminent danger to his own life. His actions allowed rescuers to clear enough rubble to free Mrs. Walsh, who was taken to the hospital and recovered. Tragically, the man, Mr. Thorneley, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being extricated.
For his extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty, Scully was awarded the George Cross, announced in the London Gazette on 8 July 1941. He became the first Catholic recipient of this prestigious award and remains the only member of the Pioneer Corps to have received it. Scully’s actions saved lives and exemplified the highest ideals of courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
In January 1967, his story was illustrated in the kids “The Hornet Magazine”.
After the war, Scully returned to civilian life, working as a painter and decorator. He continued to lead a humble life, cherished by his family and remembered for his wicked sense of humour. Scully passed away suddenly on the 28th December 1974 while visiting his nephew Brendan Foster MBE, a renowned Olympic runner and BBC commentator, in Hebburn-on-Tyne, England.
James Scully’s legacy lives on, not only through his heroic deeds but also through the values of courage, selflessness, and dedication that he embodied. His medals, including the George Cross, were donated to the Royal Logistic Corps Museum by his daughters, ensuring that his remarkable story continues to inspire future generations.
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