William Bernard Traynor VC

Name: William Bernard Traynor

Conflict: Second Boer War

Gazetted: September 17, 1901

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Hull, Yorkshire (now Humberside)/December 31, 1870

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Sergeant

Date of bravery: February 6, 1901

London Gazette citation:

2^nd Battalion the Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment). Sergeant W.B. Traynor.

During the night attack on Bothwell Camp on the 6^th February, 1901, Sergeant Traynor jumped out of a trench and ran out under an extremely heavy fire to the assistance of a wounded man. While running out he was severely wounded, and being unable to carry the man by himself he called for assistance. Lance-Corporal Lintott at once came to him and between them they carried the wounded soldier into shelter. After this, although severely wounded, Sergeant Traynor remained in command of his section, and was most cheerful, encouraging his men till the attack failed.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Dover, Kent/October 20, 1954

Grave/memorials: Charlton Cemetery, Dover, Kent

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Dix Noonan Webb, London, 2012

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