James Neville Marshall

Led bridge repairs under fire, then led his men across canal

James Neville Marshall was born in Manchester and grew up in the Birmingham area. Educated at Wellesbourne House School and King Edward VI Camp Hill School, he developed a strong interest in swimming, rugby and horses. After clerical employment and a period at Birmingham University, he worked with horses around Harlow, Essex, although he did not obtain a veterinary qualification. In September 1911 he married Edith Maud Taylor and established himself at Bromleys Farm, Latton.

When war began in 1914, Marshall volunteered for the Belgian Army. He served with its field artillery during the fighting around Antwerp and suffered serious wounds. Returning to England on sick leave early in 1915, he endured a prolonged recovery. His Belgian service brought him the Order of Leopold, Knight, with a silver palm, and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

In December 1915 he received a commission in the Irish Guards and went to France in May 1916. Further wounds interrupted his service, but he repeatedly returned to duty. Awarded the Military Cross for his wartime service, he subsequently held appointments with the Lancashire Fusiliers and Manchester Regiment.

In August 1918, while serving with the 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, he led troops to close a gap and capture an enemy position during the fighting around Parvillers and Damery Woods. He was wounded again, and his gallantry earned a Bar to the Military Cross. In October he took command of the 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, as acting lieutenant-colonel.

On 4 November 1918, during the advance across the Sambre-Oise Canal near Catillon, concentrated enemy fire damaged a partly constructed bridge before his battalion could cross. Marshall went forward to organise repairs. When the first repair party became casualties, his example brought further volunteers into action. Standing exposed on the bank, he encouraged his men and helped with the work.

Once the bridge was repaired, Marshall attempted to lead his battalion across and was killed. His final act came just one week before the Armistice. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously, and King George V presented it to his widow at Buckingham Palace on 12 April 1919. He is buried in Ors Communal Cemetery, France.

Victoria Cross citation

Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) John Neville Marshall, M.C., late Irish Guards (Special Reserve), attached 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers:

“For most conspicuous bravery, determination and leadership in the attack on the Sambre-Oise Canal, near Catillon, on the 4th November, 1918, when a partly constructed bridge came under concentrated fire and was broken before the advanced troops of his battalion could cross.

Lieut.-Colonel Marshall at once went forward and organised parties to repair the bridge.

The first party were soon killed or wounded, but by personal example he inspired his command and volunteers were instantly forthcoming. Under intense fire and with complete disregard of his own safety, he stood on the bank encouraging his men and assisting in the work, and when the bridge was repaired, attempted to rush across at the head of his battalion and was killed while so doing.

The passage of the canal was of vital importance, and the gallantry displayed by all ranks was largely due to the inspiring example set by Lieut.-Colonel Marshall.”

The London Gazette, 13 February 1919.