John Scott Youll VC

Name: John Scott Youll

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: July 25, 1918

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Thornley, Co Durham/June 6 1897

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Temporary Second Lieutenant

Date of bravery: June 15, 1918

London Gazette citation:

T./2nd Lt. John Scott Youll, North’d Fus.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during enemy attacks when in command of a patrol which came under the hostile barrage. Sending his men back to safety, he remained to observe the situation. Unable subsequently to rejoin his company, 2nd Lt. Youll reported to a neighbouring unit, and when the enemy attacked he maintained his position with several men of different units until the troops on his left had given way and an enemy machine gun had opened fire from behind him. He rushed the gun and, having himself killed most of the team, opened fire on the enemy with the captured gun, inflicting heavy casualties. Then, finding that the enemy had gained a footing in a portion of the front line, he organised and carried out with a few men three separate counter-attacks. On each occasion he drove back the enemy, but was unable to maintain his position by reason of reverse fire.

Throughout the fighting his complete disregard of personal safety and very gallant leading set a magnificent example to all.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: River Piave, Italy/October 27, 1918

Grave/memorials: Giavera British Cemetery, Veneto, Italy

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Spink, London, 1997

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