Brett Mackay Cloutman

Brett Mackay Cloutman holds the unique distinction of being the recipient of the last Victoria Cross awarded during the First World War. Serving as an Acting Major in command of the 59th Field Company, Royal Engineers, he was awarded the Military Cross in September 1918 for reconnoitering river crossings under heavy fire. Only weeks later, on November 6, 1918, at Pont-sur-Sambre, he went forward alone under heavy machine-gun fire, swam across the river, and cut the leads from demolition charges on the Quartes Bridge, saving it for advancing troops. In World War II, he served again in the Royal Engineers, earning a Mention in Despatches. He later had a highly distinguished legal career, becoming a King's Counsel, a Senior Official Referee of the Supreme Court, and was knighted in 1957.