Joseph Maxwell VC, MC & Bar, DCM (10 February 1896-6 July 1967) was an Australian 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. Maxwell is Australia's second highest decorated soldier. He was 22 years old, and a lieutenant in the 18th Battalion (N.S.W.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 3 October 1918 on the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line near Estrees, north of St. Quentin, France, Lieutenant Maxwell's company commander was severely wounded early in the advance and he at once took charge. On two occasions he advanced alone, through heavy wire entanglements, killing and taking prisoner a number of the enemy and capturing a machine-gun. Later he skilfully extricated his men from an encounter with a strong party of the enemy. Throughout the day, he set a high example of personal bravery. Maxwell's Victoria Cross was donated to the Army Museum of New South Wales at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales. It is currently on display at the Australian War Memorial.
External links
- MAXWELL J.
- Lieutenant J. Maxwell (photo, brief details)
- Burial location of Joseph Maxwell "New South Wales"
- News item "Joseph Maxwell's Victoria Cross has been loaned to the Australian War Memorial"
