Allegiance United Kingdom Unit Royal Scots Fusiliers Name John Craig Awards Victoria Cross | Role Armed force officer Rank Wing commander | |
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Service/branch British Army
Royal Air Force Battles/wars World War I
World War II Died February 19, 1970, Crieff, United Kingdom Similar People David Lauder, George Ravenhill, Stanley Boughey, Winston Churchill, William Birdwood - 1st Baron | ||
Battles and wars World War I, World War II | ||
John Manson Craig (5 March 1896 – 19 February 1970) was a Scottish 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.
Craig was 21 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, British Army, attached to 1/5th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 5 June 1917 in Egypt, an advanced post having been rushed by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Craig immediately organised a rescue party and after tracking the enemy back to his trenches, set his party to work removing the dead and wounded under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. An NCO was wounded and a medical officer who went to his aid was also wounded. Second Lieutenant Craig went out at once and got the NCO under cover, but while taking the medical officer to shelter was himself wounded. Nevertheless, the rescue was effected, and he then scooped cover for the wounded, thus saving their lives.
He served in World War II in the Royal Air Force.