This month marks the 105th Anniversary of St Quentin, one of the engagements of the Battle of Bellinglise. It was on the 29th of September 1918 when the 5th, 6th and 8th Battalions of the Sherwood Foresters took part in storming the German defences and breaking the Hindenburg line.
This would be a victory for the British and Australian Troops involved. It was also a moment of great gallantry shown by a particular soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Bernard William Vann. He was a Sherwood Forester and was awarded a Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions on that September day in 1918. To mark this anniversary, we have looked back into Bernard’s service with the Foresters…
Joining the Sherwood Foresters
Bernard William Vann was born on the 9th of July 1887 in Rushden, Northamptonshire, to Alfred George Collins Vann and Hannah Elizabeth Vann. He was educated at Chichele College, Higham Ferrers (a chantry college) and at Jesus College Cambridge. He was also a keen footballer and played for Northampton Town, Burton United and Derby County in 1906-7. Bernard was an ordained minister and prior to service was a Chaplain at Wellingborough School (1913-1915).
Bernard first attested with The Artists Rifles, 28th County of London Regiment as a private with regimental number 1800, on the 31st of August 1914. He would join the 8th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters a few days later, on the 2nd of September 1914 as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Arriving in France and gaining the Military Cross
Bernard landed in France on the 25th of February 1915. He is first mentioned in the 1/8th bn War diary in April 1915, On the 21st, reconstructing a segment of badly damaged trench, which saved it for future use. This part of the trench, H4, was damaged again a few days later (on the 24th), by a bomb, and Bernard is again described:
‘Mr Vann at once started to dig out the buried men – when another bomb came killing and burying 6 men killed and 8 wounded. Mr Vann was thrown 8 yards in the air and severely shaken’. Bernard and his platoon are said to have ‘behaved splendidly’ during the incident.
Bernard was awarded his Military Cross for this action, which was reported in the London Gazette on the 15th of September 1915, thusly:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on several occasions. At Kemmel, on 24.4.1915, when a small advanced trench which he occupied was blown in, and he himself wounded and half buried, he showed the greatest determination in organising the defense 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 July 31 and subsequent days, he ably assisted another officer to hold the left trench of the line, setting a fine example to those around him. He was slightly wounded. On various occasions he has led patrols up to the enemy’s trenches and obtained valuable information.’
Mentions in the 1/8th Battalion War Diary
Bernard became a Lieutenant not long after, on the 15th of June 1915. He is again mentioned several times in the 1/8th Battalion War Diary, including on the 6th of August. The Battalion had met up with the 2nd Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters and ‘Lieut Vann went out on patrol with a patrol of the 2nd’ Battalion. He is also recorded on another patrol a few nights later on the 14th.
In October 1915, it is recorded that Bernard ‘made a careful study of the ground with field glasses as far as HOOGE WALL and came to the conclusion that the enemy’s line was not very thoroughly held’. The Battalion received orders to attack a few days later.
Promotions and a bar for a MC
On the 31st of July 1916, nearly two months after being promoted to Captain, Bernard was recorded as wounded. However, he was not badly injured as he was soon back with the 1/8th Battalion and commanded the raiding party on the 21st-22nd September. Bernard earned his bar to his MC that night, and this was reported in the London Gazette on the 14th of November 1916:
‘He led a daring raid on 21st/22nd September 1916 near Blair-Ville, Bellacourt, against the enemy’s trenches. Finding a dug-out full of Germans he ordered them out, but two came at him with fixed bayonets, so he killed one and wounded the other with his revolver, the rest surrendered he took five prisoners himself. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.’
Attached to the 1/6th Battalion
Bernard soon became a Major (in September 1916) and he continued to have increased responsibility. He later joined the 9th Battalion at Bapaume in April 1917 and then posted to “Q” 11th Division a month later. He was also the adjutant at the Command School in May.
It would be in September when he became Lieutenant Colonel and assumed command of the 6th Battalion at Cambrin Hill 70. He would remain attached to the 6th Battalion for the remainder of his career.
St Quentin and the VC
In September 1918, the Battle of St Quentin’s Canal took place. It was for service during this battle that Bernard was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This was reported in the London Gazette, on the 14th of December 1918, as follows:
‘For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and fine leadership during the attack on Bellenglise and Lehaucourt on 29th September 1918. He led his Battalion with great skill across the Canal Du Nord 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, Lieut-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.’
The end of Bernard’s service
Sadly, Bernard would not live to see the publishing of his gallantry or receive his VC. He was killed in action on the 3rd of October 1918 at Ramicourt. It would be his wife, Doris Victor Vann, who would receive Bernard’s VC from King George V at Buckingham Palace. She would also collect his pension.
Bernard was buried the day he died, at Bellicourt British Cemetry. His grave inscription reads: ‘Croix De Guerre Avec Palme “A Great Priest who in his days pleased God”’.
For his service, Bernard was awarded: VC; MC and Bar; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal; and the Croix de Guerre with Palm (French).
(Photo shows temporary headstone to grave).
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References:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
London Gazette.