Michael Brough

Born in 1897 at Stanley, he left school at 14 and worked as a miner before enlisting, aged only 16, in the 13th (Service) Battalion DLI in August 1914.

Serving with "A" Company 13 DLI, he was awarded the Military Medal in August 1916 for his bravery near Munster Alley during the Battle of the Somme; the Bar to his Military Medal in October 1916 during the attack on Le Sars, Battle of the Somme; and the Distinguished Conduct Medal in May 1917 during a German raid on 13 DLI's trenches at Hill 60, south of the Menin Road, near Ypres, when he gave "invaluable assistance to his platoon officer and throughout set a fine example".

He was later wounded and discharged, as a Sergeant, from the Army, and returned to work as a miner. During the Second World War, he served as a Special Constable. He died in 1973.

In November 1915, Michael Brough had helped Michael Kenny bring in a wounded officer, Lieutenant Philip Brown, from No-Man's-Land under heavy fire. Michael Kenny was awarded the Victoria Cross - the first awarded to the DLI during WW1 - but Michael Brough received no award for his bravery, although he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.