Jack Youll

He seized one machine gun and led three bold counterattacks.

John Scott Youll, known as Jack, was born at Thornley, County Durham, on 6 June 1897. He left school at fifteen and became an apprentice electrician at the colliery. Volunteering in July 1915, he initially served as a sapper in the Royal Engineers. He went to France in August 1916 and was recommended for a commission, returning to Britain for officer training in 1917.

Commissioned into the Northumberland Fusiliers, Youll returned to France and distinguished himself during the fighting around Polygon Wood. His battalion later moved to Italy following the crisis created by the defeat at Caporetto.

On 15 June 1918, south-west of Asiago, an Austro-Hungarian offensive overwhelmed parts of the British line. Youll sent his patrol to safety while remaining to observe. Unable to regain his own company, he joined a neighbouring unit and organized a mixed party of soldiers. When a machine gun opened from behind them, he rushed it, killed most of the crew and turned the captured weapon on the attackers. He then led three counterattacks against lost trenches, repeatedly driving the enemy out despite fire from the rear preventing a lasting hold.

His Victoria Cross and Italian Silver Medal of Military Valour brought public celebration in Thornley. George V presented the Cross in September 1918, and his neighbours honoured him during leave. He soon returned to Italy.

On 27 October, during the advance across the Piave in the battle of Vittorio Veneto, Youll was wounded and then fatally struck by shellfire. He was twenty-one. His parents received the news on 10 November. Initially buried near Spresiano, he was later reinterred at Giavera British Cemetery. His decorations were subsequently acquired for the Ashcroft collection.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during enemy attacks when in command of a patrol which came under the hostile barrage. Sending his men back to safety, he remained to observe the situation. Unable subsequently to rejoin his company, 2nd Lt. 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 drove 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.

Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 23 July 1918. 25 July 1918, Numb. 30811, pp. 8723-24