Maurice Buckley, Australian sergeant, Victoria Cross recipient (d. 1921)

Maurice Vincent Buckley, born on 13 April 1891, lived a life marked by extraordinary courage and a poignant, early end on 27 January 1921. An Australian soldier, he distinguished himself during the intense fighting of the First World War under the adopted name of Gerald Sexton. His exceptional gallantry earned him the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious award for bravery in the face of the enemy that can be bestowed upon British and Commonwealth forces.

A Soldier by Any Other Name: The Pseudonym of Gerald Sexton

The decision to enlist under a pseudonym was not uncommon during the Great War, often prompted by various personal circumstances. For Maurice Vincent Buckley, adopting the name 'Gerald Sexton' allowed him to join the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) after facing challenges with previous enlistment attempts. Historical records suggest he had tried to enlist earlier, possibly underage, and had even deserted on one occasion. The desire to serve his country, despite these hurdles, led him to embrace this new identity, embarking on a path that would see him become one of Australia's most decorated soldiers.

The Act of Extraordinary Gallantry: Earning the Victoria Cross

Private Gerald Sexton's defining moment of heroism occurred during the intense Hundred Days Offensive, specifically on the night of 1/2 September 1918, near Hargicourt, France. The battlefield was a maelstrom of conflict, and his unit faced a formidable threat from a German machine-gun post that was inflicting heavy casualties. With incredible self-sacrifice and initiative, Private Sexton acted alone. He launched a daring, single-handed assault on the enemy position, engaging the crew with his bayonet. Against overwhelming odds, he successfully neutralised the threat, silencing the machine gun and capturing six of these crucial enemy weapons. This singular act of courage not only saved countless lives but also significantly turned the tide in a perilous situation, demonstrating leadership and bravery that went far beyond the call of duty.

The Victoria Cross: A Symbol of Supreme Courage

The Victoria Cross (VC) stands as the highest military decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" awarded to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, it is granted for "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." The medal itself is a bronze Maltese Cross, bearing a lion statant guardant on the royal crown, with the inscription "FOR VALOUR." For an Australian soldier like Maurice Buckley (Gerald Sexton) to be awarded this honour meant his actions were recognised as epitomising the very highest standards of military heroism, cementing his place in the annals of Australian wartime history.

A Hero's Return and Untimely Demise

Following the armistice, Maurice Vincent Buckley returned to Australia, his heroism duly recognised but his life's path tragically cut short. On 27 January 1921, at the tender age of 29, he died in Melbourne. His death was the result of a fatal shooting during an altercation in a hotel. His untimely passing served as a somber reminder of the difficulties many veterans faced adjusting to civilian life after the profound experiences of war. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Maurice Vincent Buckley's legacy as a Victoria Cross recipient, a symbol of Australian bravery during the First World War, endures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Maurice Vincent Buckley use the pseudonym Gerald Sexton?
Maurice Vincent Buckley adopted the name Gerald Sexton primarily to re-enlist in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). He had faced challenges with previous enlistment attempts, potentially due to being underage or having deserted on an earlier occasion, and using an alias allowed him to circumvent these issues and serve his country.
What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces in various Commonwealth countries. It recognises acts of most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Where and when did Maurice Buckley earn his Victoria Cross?
He earned his Victoria Cross on the night of 1/2 September 1918, near Hargicourt, France, during the Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War.
What specific act of bravery earned him the Victoria Cross?
He earned the VC for single-handedly rushing a German machine-gun post that was causing significant casualties, bayoneting the crew, and capturing six machine guns, thereby neutralising a critical threat to his unit.
How old was Maurice Vincent Buckley when he died?
Maurice Vincent Buckley was 29 years old when he died on 27 January 1921.
What happened to Maurice Buckley after the First World War?
After his return to Australia as a celebrated hero, Maurice Vincent Buckley tragically died in Melbourne on 27 January 1921, as a result of a fatal shooting during an altercation in a hotel.