Bernard Vann

Lieutenant Colonel Bernard William Vann VC MC & Bar) (9 July 1887 – 3 October 1918) 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.

Early life
Vann was born in Rushden, Northamptonshire and graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge. He was ordained as a minister and became Chaplain at Wellingborough School (1913–15). He was a footballer who as a centre-forward assisted Northampton Town and in 1906 played 12 games for Burton United F.C. (who were then a League club) before making his three League appearances for Derby County in 1906–07.

VC action
He was 31 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the 1/8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army, comd. 1/6th Battalion during the First World War.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 29 September 1918 at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, France, where he led his battalion across the Canal de Saint-Quentin through thick fog and under heavy fire. He secured his troops' advance by rushing up to the firing line and leading the line forward himself.

Citation
"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."

- The London Gazette No. 31067, 14 December 1918

He was killed in action, shot by a sniper at Ramicourt, France, on 3 October 1918.