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2nd Lt. John Scott Youll VC
British Army 11th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Thornley, Co. Durham
(d.27th Oct 1918)
John Youll was the son of Mr. R. W. and Mrs. M. Youll, of Thorncroft, Thornley, Co. Durham. He died on the 27the October 1918, aged 21 and is buried in the Giavera British Cemetery in Italy.
He was awarded the Italian Silver Medal for Valour and the Victoria Cross. An extract from the London Gazette, dated 25th July, 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicous bravery and devotion to duty during enemy attacks when in command of a patrol, which came under hostile barrage. Sending his men back to safety, he remained to observe the situation. Unable subsequently to rejoin his company, Second Lieut. Youll reported to a nieghbouring 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 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 seperate 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."
