Bernard+William+Vann

Vann, Bernard William, Lieutenant Colonel, VC, MC and Bar, 8th Battalion, attached to 1st/6th Battalion, Notts and Derby Regiment Born Rushden, Northamptonshire Killed in action 3rd October 1918 Aged 31 Croix de Guerre (France), Son of Alfred George Collins Vann and Hannah Elizabeth Vann; Husband of Doris, Victoria Vann, of Coates Rectory, Cirencester, Gloucestershire Buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, France, Grave Reference: II O 1

Disembarked for France 25th February 1915

Victoria Cross Citation on Commonwealth War Graves Commission Website:

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 31067, dated 14th Dec., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and fine leadership during the attack at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, on September 29th, 1918. He led his battalion with great skill across the Canal du Nord through a very thick fog and under heavy fire from field and machine guns. On reaching the high ground above Bellenglise the whole attack was held up by fire of all descriptions from the front and right flank. Realising that everything depended on the advance going forward with the barrage, Col. Vann rushed up to the firing line and with the greatest gallantry led the line forward. By his prompt action and absolute contempt for danger the whole situation was changed, the men were encouraged and the line swept forward. Later, he rushed a field-gun single-handed and knocked out three of the detachment. The success of the day was in no small degree due to the splendid gallantry and fine leadership displayed by this officer. Lt. Col. Vann, who had on all occasions set the highest example of valour, was killed near Ramicourt on 3rd October, 1918, when leading his battalion in attack."

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