Medal & Mortality index
The Military Cross was instituted as a Decoration on December 28th, 1914, to
reward Distinguished Services rendered by Officers of certain ranks in the army
in time of war. Bars may be added for additional acts of gallantry. Since August
1st, 1918, it has, like the D.S.O., been awarded for "services in action" only.
VANN, Capt. Bernard William ... ... ... ... 8/Notts & Derby
For conspicuous gallantry on several occasions :
KEMMEL, 24th April, 1915. When a small advanced trench which he occupied was
blown in, and he himself wounded. and half buried, he showed the greatest
determination in organising the defence and rescuing buried men under heavy
fire. Although wounded and severely bruised, he refused to leave his post till
directly ordered to do so.
YPRES, 31st July and subsequent days, he ably assisted another officer to hold
the left trench of the line, setting a fine example to those around him. He was
slightly wounded. On various occasions he has led patrols up to the enemy's
trenches and obtained valuable information.
BAR TO M.C.
BLAIRVILLE, 21/22 September, 1916. He led a daring raid against the enemy's
trenches, himself taking five prisoners and displaying great courage and
determination. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
BELLENGLISE, FRANCE, 29th September, 1918. For most conspicuous bravery,
devotion to duty and fine leadership during the a- tack at Bellenglise and
Lehaucourt. 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, Lt.-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 four days later, when
leading his battalion in attack.
[Reg. No. 1800. Gazetted 2nd Sept., 1914. Killed in action, 3rd Oct., 1918]
(11 times a casualty. ED.)
1918 Oct 3 - VANN, Lt.-Col. Bernard William, V.C., Military Cross & BAR, 8/Notts
& Derby