Basil John Douglas Guy VC

Name: Basil John Douglas Guy

Conflict: Boxer Uprising

Gazetted: January 1, 1901

Service: Royal Navy

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Basil John Douglas Guy VC
Basil John Douglas Guy VC Medals
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Place/date of birth: Bishop Auckland, Co Durham/May 9, 1882

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Midshipman (later Commander)

Date of bravery: July 13, 1900

London Gazette citation:

Mr Basil John Douglas Guy, Midshipman of Her Majesty’s Ship “Barfleur”.

On 19th July, 1900, during the attack on Tientsin City, a very heavy cross-fire was brought to bear on the Naval Brigade, and there were several casualties. Among those who fell was one A.B.I. McCarthy, shot about 50 yards short of cover.

Mr. Guy stopped with him, and, after seeing what the injury was, attempted to lift him up and carry him in, but was not strong enough, so after binding up the wound Mr. Guy ran to get assistance. In the mean time the remainder of the company had passed in under cover, and the entire fire from the city wall was concentrated on Mr. Guy and McCarthy. Shortly after Mr. Guy had got in under cover the stretchers came up, and again Mr. Guy dashed out and assisted in placing McCarthy on the stretcher and carrying him in.

The wounded man was however shot dead just as he was being carried into safety.

During the whole time a very heavy fire had been brought to bear upon Mr. Guy, and the ground around him was absolutely ploughed up.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: DSO

Place/date of death: Lambeth, London/December 29, 1956

Grave/memorials: St Michael and All Angels Churchyard, Pirbright, Surrey

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 1990

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum