An official plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the late James Duffy, VC in Letterkenny.
The unveiling of the plaque, organised by the Ulster History Circle, was performed by James Duffy’s daughter, Mrs. Nellie O’Donnell.
James Duffy was born at Crolly in West Donegal on 17th November 1889 to parents Peter and Kate Duffy, and as a young baby was brought to Bonagee, Letterkenny where he lived most of his life.
When the Great War broke out James joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Glasgow, and it was for his heroic actions in Palestine that he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Private James Duffy Reg. No. 6/17978 with the 6th Batt. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (10th Division) was cited – ‛For most conspicuous bravery at Kereina Peak, Palestine on 27th December 1917, displayed whilst his company was holding a very exposed position.
Private Duffy (a stretcher bearer) and another stretcher-bearer went out to bring in a seriously wounded comrade. When the stretcher-bearer was wounded, James returned again to get another man. Both men went forward into the line of fire and the relief stretcher bearer was killed.
Private Duffy then went forward alone, and under heavy fire, succeeded in getting both wounded men under cover and attended to their injuries. His gallantry undoubtedly saved both men’s lives, and throughout he showed an utter disregard of danger under heavy fire.’ He was 28 years of age.
His citation appeared in the London Gazette 4th supplement on 27th February 1918. He died on 7th April 1969 at Drumany and is buried in the Conwal Cemetery, Letterkenny, and his VC is in the collection of the Inniskilling Museum at Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh.
Chris Spurr, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle comments, ‛James Duffy made a long journey from his birthplace among the hills of west Donegal to the mountains of Palestine, and it was there that his valour brought him lasting honour. One hundred years after Private Duffy won the Victoria Cross, the Ulster History Circle is delighted to commemorate this heroic soldier with a blue plaque in Letterkenny.
The Circle thanked the Ulster-Scots Agency for their financial support towards the plaque, and Donegal County Museum for their assistance.’
All pictures by kind permission of Brian McDaid.