Bernard Vann

Early life

Vann was born in Rushden, Northamptonshire where his parents, Alfred George Collins Vann and Hannah Elizabeth Vann were teachers. He had an older brother, Arthur (1884–1915). He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge and was a 1910 Cambridge hockey blue. He was a footballer who as a centre-forward assisted Northampton Town and in 1906 played 12 games for Burton United (who were then a League club) before making his three League appearances for Derby County in 1906–07. He also taught at Ashby-de-la-Zouch Grammar School in Leicestershire.

He was ordained as a priest in 1912 and became chaplain and assistant master at Wellingborough School (1913–15).

World War I

On the outbreak of war, he volunteered as a British Army chaplain but, frustrated by difficulties and delays, enlisted in the infantry instead, initially in 28th (County of London) Battalion of The London Regiment, (The Artists’ Rifles), and was commissioned into the 1/8th Bn, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) on 1 September 1914 and became Lieutenant on 26 April 1915.

He was awarded the Military Cross in 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." On 25 September 1915, Vann's brother Arthur was killed at Loos.

In 1916 He received a second award of the Military Cross "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."

VC action

He was 31 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel commanding 1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters when 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 St Quentin Canal 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.

Death

He was killed in action, shot by a sniper at Ramicourt, France, on 3 October 1918. He is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery.

He had married in December 1916; a posthumous son was born in June 1919.