Bernard Vann
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Bernard William Vann (VC, MC & Bar, Croix de Guerre avec Palme, France) (9 July 1887 - 3 October 1918) was an English 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.
[edit] Details
He was 31 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the 1/8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army, comd. 1/6th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 29 September 1918 at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, France, Lieutenant Colonel Vann led his battalion with great skill across the Canal du Nord through a very thick fog and under heavy fire. When the attack was held up by fire of all descriptions from the front and right flank, the colonel, realising the importance of the advance going forward with the barrage, rushed up to the firing line and led the line forward himself. Later he rushed a field gun single-handed and knocked out three of the detachment. He was killed four days later leading his battalion in attack.
He was killed in action, Rammicourt, France, on 3 October 1918.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)
