John William Sayer

For two hours he held his post against fierce enemy attacks.

John William Sayer VC stood on the exposed flank of a British outpost at Le Verguier, France, on 21 March 1918. Through repeated attacks during the opening of the German Spring Offensive, the lance corporal's resistance helped his small garrison keep fighting until it was almost destroyed.

Born in Islington on 12 April 1879, Sayer grew up in the Ilford and Chadwell Heath area, where his father farmed. He married Edith Louise Maynard in 1904, and they had six children. Before military service, he managed a corn and seed business in Cricklewood. He joined the Army in July 1916, reached France that December and became a lance corporal in the 8th Battalion of The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).

Thick mist concealed the Germans' approach to the isolated position near Shepherd's Copse. Attackers came within thirty yards before being detected. Acting without orders and without assistance, Sayer defended the flank with rifle and bayonet while exposed to machine-gun fire and grenades. For two hours he checked successive assaults. His skill and determination sustained the post even as casualties reduced its defenders. Eventually he was badly wounded and taken prisoner.

Sayer died from his wounds at Le Cateau on 18 April 1918, six days after his thirty-ninth birthday. He is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery. His Victoria Cross was announced on 9 June 1919, and King George V presented it to Edith that November. The family's preserved medal group comprises the VC, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Later research into the papers of his platoon commander, Claude Piesse, brought renewed attention to the stand that his original regimental history had overlooked.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery, determination and ability displayed on the 21st March, 1918, at Le Vergoier, when holding for two hours, in face of incessant attacks, the flank of a small isolated post. Owing to mist the enemy approached the post from both sides to within 30 yards before being discovered. Lance-Corporal Sayer, however, on his own initiative and without assistance, beat off a succession of flank attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Though attacked by rifle and machine-gun fire, bayonet and bombs, he repulsed all attacks, killing many and wounding others. During the whole time he was continuously exposed to rifle and machine-gun fire, but he showed the utmost contempt of danger, and his conduct was an inspiration to all. His skilful use of fire of all description enabled the post to hold out till nearly all the garrison had been killed and himself wounded and captured. He subsequently died as a result of wounds at Le Cateau.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 6 June 1919. 9 June 1919, Numb. 31395, pp. 7419-20