John David Francis Shaul
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John David Francis Shaul (11 September 1873-14 September 1953) 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 26 years old, and a corporal in the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 11 December 1899 during the battle of Magersfontein, South Africa, Corporal Shaul was in charge of stretcher-bearers, but at one period of the battle he was seen encouraging men to advance across the open. He was most conspicuous during the day in dressing men's wounds and in one case he came, under fire, to a man who was lying wounded in the back, and with the utmost coolness sat down beside him and proceeded to dress his wounds. This act of gallantry was performed under continuous fire as calmly as if there had been no enemy near.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of Bugle Major.
John David Francis Shaul is the only ex pupil from the Duke of Yorks Royal Military School to have been awarded the Victoria Cross
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)
Not currently on display publicly. Held in Standard bank vault in Jo'burg. Please note correct name "John Francis David Shaul". Mr Uys has always managed to get this information backwards. (See grave detail.)
