John Vallentin

He rose wounded and led his men forward against enemy units.

John Franks Vallentin was born in Lambeth on 14 May 1882. Educated at Wellington College, he entered the militia in 1899 and served in South Africa with the Royal Sussex Regiment during 1901 and 1902. He later joined the Royal Garrison Regiment before transferring to the South Staffordshire Regiment in 1905.

His service included the North-West Frontier operations of 1908. Promoted captain in 1909, he subsequently served at Gibraltar. When the First World War began, he went to France with the 1st South Staffordshires, arriving in October 1914 during the opening struggle for Ypres.

Vallentin was wounded at the end of October but returned to his battalion. On 7 November, near Zillebeke, his company was ordered to attack an important German position. He led the advance and was struck down. Rising despite his wound, he continued urging his men forward and was killed almost immediately.

The attack succeeded, and his leadership was credited with helping overcome the enemy position. His Victoria Cross was announced on 18 February 1915. His mother received the posthumous decoration, formally presented by George V in 1916.

Vallentin's body was not recovered for an identified burial. His name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres. His short final campaign followed fifteen years of military experience in South Africa, India and the Mediterranean, and ended while he was leading his company in one of the critical battles of the autumn of 1914.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous bravery on 7th November at Zillebeke. When leading the attack against the Germans under a very heavy fire he was struck down, and on rising to continue the attack was immediately killed. The capture of the enemy’s trenches which followed was in a great measure due to the confidence which the men had in their Captain, arising from his many previous acts of great bravery and ability.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 16 February 1915. 18 February 1915, Numb. 29074, p. 1700