Richard Basil Brandram Jones
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Richard Basil Brandram Jones (30 April 1897 - 21 May 1916) 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.
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He was 19 years old, and a Temporary Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 21 May 1916 at Broadmarsh Crater, Vimy, France, Lieutenant Jones was in charge of a platoon holding the position recently captured from the enemy. Forty yards away the enemy exploded a mine and isolated the platoon by a heavy barrage of fire. Being attacked by overwhelming numbers, the platoon was in great danger, but Lieutenant Jones organised his men and set a fine example by shooting 15 of the enemy as they advanced. When all his ammunition had been used, he was about to throw a bomb when he was shot through the head.
