Frank Bernard Wearne

He charged along a trench parapet to save his threatened men

Frank Bernard Wearne VC, known as Bernard, was born in London on 1 March 1894. His father was a wine merchant. He won a scholarship to Bromsgrove School, where he became head monitor and played rugby, before entering Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in 1913.

War interrupted his university studies. He enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers in September 1914 and received a commission in the Essex Regiment the following May. He reached France in December 1915 with the 10th Battalion.

Wounded in the arm during the Somme campaign in July 1916, Wearne spent months recovering in Britain. Passed fit again in 1917, he joined the 11th Essex and returned to France in May.

On 28 June 1917, east of Loos, he led a small raiding party into German trenches. After taking its objective, the party faced repeated counterattacks. When the left flank came under particular pressure, Wearne climbed onto the parapet and led men along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs.

Severely wounded, he continued directing the fighting until further wounds killed him. His leadership earned a posthumous Victoria Cross. He was 23, and his body was not recovered. His name is recorded on the Loos Memorial. His father received the VC that October. His campaign entitlement also comprised the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a small party on the left of a raid on the enemy’s trenches. He gained his objective in the face of much opposition and by his magnificent example and daring was able to maintain this position for a considerable time, according to instructions. During this period 2nd Lt. Wearne and his small party were repeatedly counter attacked. Grasping the fact that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, 2nd Lt. Wearne, at a moment when the enemy’s attack was being heavily pressed and when matters were most critical, leapt on the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy off his guard and back in disorder. Whilst on the top of the trench 2nd Lt. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. Afterwards he remained in the trench directing operations, consolidating his position and encouraging all ranks. Just before the order to withdraw was given, this gallant officer was again severely hit for the second time, and while being carried away was mortally wounded. By his tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit, he was enabled to hold on to the flank.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 31 July 1917. 2 August 1917, Numb. 30215, p. 7906