John Hollington Grayburn
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John Hollington Grayburn (30 January 1918 - 20 September 1944) 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.
He was 26-year-old lieutenant in The Parachute Regiment, British Army, (Army Air Corps) during the Second World War. During the period of September 17-20, 1944 at Arnhem, the Netherlands, at the assault on the bridge over the Rhine, Lieutenant Grayburn led his men with supreme gallantry and determination. Although wounded early in the action, in pain, short of food and without sleep, his courage never flagged. He constantly exposed himself to the enemy's fire, moving among his men and encouraging them, and seemed oblivious to danger. If it had not been for his inspiring leadership and personal bravery, the Arnhem bridge could never have been held for this time.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Airborne Forces Museum (Aldershot, Hampshire, England).
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
