Lieutenant Colonel Bernard William Vann

Army Number : n/a

Battalion : 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Awards : V.C., (Victoria Cross) M.C. (Military Cross) & Bar, Croix de Guerre (France)

Son of Alfred George Collins Vann and Hannah Elizabeth Vann. Husband of Doris Victoria Vann, of Coates Rectory, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

Born in Rushden, Northamptonshire 9th July 1887. He graduated from Jesus College Cambridge and was ordained as a priest in 1912. He played as centre forward for Northampton Town F.C. and in 1906 played 12 games for Burton United F.C. before playing three times for the Derby County in 1906-07. He became chaplain and assistant master at Wellingborough School (1913–15).

Initially, he enlisted in 28th (County of London) Battalion of The London Regiment, (The Artists’ Rifles) as a private, and was commissioned into the 1/8th Bn, Sherwood Foresters on 1 September 1914 and became Lieutenant on 26 April 1915.

He was awarded the Military Cross in 1915. (London Gazette 15th September 1915)
“At Kemmel on 24 April 1915 when a small advance trench which he occupied was blown in, and he himself wounded and half buried, he showed the greatest determination in organising the defence and rescuing buried men under heavy fire, although wounded and severely bruised he refused to leave his post until directly ordered to do so. At Ypres on 31 July 1915, and subsequent days, he ably assisted another officer to hold the left trench of the line, setting a fine example to those around him. On various occasions he has led patrols up to the enemy’s trenches and obtained valuable information.”

In 1916 he received a second award of the Military Cross (London Gazette 14th November 1916)
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a daring raid against the enemy’s trenches, himself taking five prisoners and displaying great courage and determination. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.”

Whilst serving as an acting Lieutenant Colonel in the 1/8th Battalion and commanding the 1/6th Battalion, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 29 September 1918 at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, France. (London Gazette 14th December 1918)
“For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and fine leadership during the attack at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, on September 29th, 1918. He led his battalion with great skill across the Canal de Saint-Quentin through a very thick fog and under heavy fire from field and machine guns. On reaching the high ground above Bellenglise the whole attack was held up by fire of all descriptions from the front and right flank. Realising that everything depended on the advance going forward with the barrage, Col. Vann rushed up to the firing line and with the greatest gallantry led the line forward. By his prompt action and absolute contempt for danger the whole situation was changed, the men were encouraged and the line swept forward. Later, he rushed a field-gun single-handed and knocked out three of the detachment. The success of the day was in no small degree due to the splendid gallantry and fine leadership displayed by this officer. Lt. Col. Vann, who had on all occasions set the highest example of valour, was killed near Ramicourt on 3rd October, 1918, when leading his battalion in attack”.

Buried : Bellicourt British Cemetery, France. Plot 1, Row B, Grave 1.

Lieutenant Colonel Vann is also commemorated on the following local memorials:-
St. Matthew’s Church in Coates, Gloucestershire.
St. Mary Magadalen Church in Newark, Nottinghamshire
St. Barnabas Church, Leicester.
Wellingborough School Chapel war memorial to “the masters and boys”.