John Cunningham
British soldier during the First World War, an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross
About John Cunningham
Lived 1890 – 1917 (aged 26–27). John Cunningham was a military personnel.
Corporal John Cunningham , (22 October 1890 – 16 April 1917) was a British soldier during the First World War, an Irish 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 Cunningham, born in Thurles, County Tipperary on 22 October 1890, was one of two sons of Johanna and Joseph Cunningham.
He was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, when he performed a deed on 12 April 1917 at Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France, which earned him the Victoria Cross. Cunningham later died as a result of his injuries.
He is buried in Barlin cemetery, Pas de Calais, plot 1, row A, grave 39.
The Medal His medals are on loan to the Imperial War Museum in London.
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Important facts
People in John Cunningham's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Cunningham?
British soldier during the First World War, an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross
When was John Cunningham born?
John Cunningham was born in 1890 in Thurles.
When did John Cunningham die?
John Cunningham died on 16 April 1917 in Barlin.
What was John Cunningham's occupation?
John Cunningham was a military personnel.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Cunningham (VC 1917)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Cunningham. https://biography.guide/john-cunningham-military-personnel-1890/
MLA: "John Cunningham." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-cunningham-military-personnel-1890/.
Chicago: "John Cunningham." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-cunningham-military-personnel-1890/.
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