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Thornley V.C. killed: Sad News Reaches His Parents on Peace Day


Article from the Auckland Chronicle about Victoria Cross hero


The rejoicing at Thornley over the signing of the armistice was marred by the receipt of official news on Monday that the V.C. of the village, Second-Lieut. John Scott Youll. Northumberland Fusiliers, had been killed in action on 27 Oct. An official telegram conveying the sad news was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Youll of “Thorncroft,” The Villas, Thornley.

The gallant young officer only returned to the Front in September, after having been presented with a public testimonial from the people of his native village in recognition of his having been awarded the V.C and the Italian Silver Medal for valour.

Second-Lieut. Youll, who was modest and extremely popular, in the village, had been the recipient of congratulations on all hands, and at the invitation of the Thornley Parish Council, he attended a special service of praise for the great honour conferred upon the village and thanksgiving for his deliverance from such a dangerous situation.

Volunteered for Service
He was born in the mining village of Thornley on 8 June, 1897, and was therefore in his 22nd year. He attended the Thornley Council School, and later was a student at the technical classes held by Durham County Council at Wingate. When he was 15 years old he commenced work at the Thornley Colliery as an apprentice electrician.
On reaching military age he immediately volunteered; joining the R.E. (Durham Territorials) on 1 July, 1916. After a year’s training in England, he served for six months as a sapper in France, rendering such good service that he was recommended for a commission.
He was gazetted to the Northumberland Fusiliers in June, 1917, and proceeded almost immediately to France. For the part he took in the fierce fighting at Polygon Wood he was mentioned in dispatches. During the Italian retreat his battalion was transferred to Italy, and he there gained his V.C. and the Italian Silver Medal for Valour. It is worthy of note that he was the first officer of the Northumberland Fusiliers to gain the V.C. since the siege of Lucknow.

Deed Which Won the V.C.
The deed for which he was awarded the V. C. was officially described in the “London Gazette” as follows:-
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during enemy attacks when in command of a patrol which came under hostile barrage. Sending his men back to safety, he remained to observe the situation. Unable subsequently to rejoin his company Second-Lieut. Youll reported to a neighbouring unit, and when the enemy attacked he maintained his position with several men of different units until the troops on his left had given way and an enemy machine-gun had opened fire from behind him. He rushed the gun, and, having himself killed most of the team, opened fire on the enemy with the captured gun, inflicting heavy casualties, Then, finding that the enemy had gained a footing in a portion of the front line, he organised, and carried out with a few men, three separate counter-attacks. On each occasion, he drew back the enemy, but was unable to maintain his position by reason of reverse fire. Throughout the fighting his complete disregard of personal safety and very gallant leading set a magnificent example to all.

Date: 14-Nov-1918

Author: Auckland Chronicle

Reference: M61/43

Where to find this: Durham County Record Office

Contributed by Durham at War

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