Jack Youll

John Scott Youll was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 21 years old, and a T/Second Lieutenant in the 1st Bn., The Northumberland Fusiliers, British Army, attd. 11th (S) Bn. during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 15 June 1918 south west of Asiago, Italy, Second Lieutenant Youll was commanding a patrol which came under heavy enemy fire. Sending his men back to safety he remained to watch the situation and then, unable to rejoin his company, he reported to a neighbouring unit where he took command of a party of men from different units, holding his position against enemy attack until a machine-gun opened fire behind him. He rushed and captured the gun, killing most of the team and opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties. He then carried out three separate counterattacks, driving the enemy back each time.

He was killed in action, River Piave, Italy, on 21 October 1918.

The medal

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External links

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.