William Traynor

He rescued a wounded soldier and kept his section in action.

William Bernard Traynor was born in Hull on 31 December 1870, the son of Francis, a flax dresser from County Monaghan, and Rebecca, née Longfield. He attended Pryme Street Roman Catholic School and worked as a labourer before enlisting in the West Yorkshire Regiment at Beverley on 14 November 1888. From 1891 his service took him to India, including garrison duty at Mooltan, Lahore and Lucknow.

He married Jane Martin in June 1897. They had two daughters and four sons, including twin boys. In October 1899 he sailed for South Africa with the 2nd Battalion. He fought in several major operations, including Colenso, Spion Kop, the Tugela fighting and the relief of Ladysmith. Promotion to sergeant followed in June 1900.

On the night of 5–6 February 1901 his battalion camped at Bothwell near Lake Chrissie. In darkness and mist, Boer attackers reached the British outposts and launched a determined assault before dawn. Amid the firing, Traynor left his trench to help a wounded soldier. He was himself badly wounded on the way and could not carry the man alone.

The London Gazette citation of 17 September 1901 records how he called for help and Lance-Corporal Lintott joined him. Together they brought the casualty into shelter. Traynor then remained in charge of his section, encouraging the men until the assault had failed despite his own injuries. The official account, transcribed with his named medal group by Noonans, recognizes both the rescue and his continued leadership (https://www.noonans.co.uk/archive/lot-archive/results/226282/?layout=list&offset=40&sort=Hammer_Reverse).

His wounds ended his Army career in September 1901. Jane initially received a telegram reporting him dead before learning that he had survived. Too unwell to attend a London investiture, he received his Victoria Cross at York on 2 July 1902 from Colonel Edward Browne, another recipient of the decoration.

Traynor became barrack warden at Dover in September 1902 and continued in that post through the First World War, receiving official recognition for valuable service. He later supported the local British Legion, served as its vice-chairman and attended regimental reunions. He retired in 1935 but remained in Dover. He died on 20 October 1954 and was buried in Charlton Cemetery, with family, civic representatives and members of his old regiment attending.

Official Victoria Cross citation

During the night attack on Bothwell Camp on the 6th February, 1901, Sergeant Traynor jumped out of a trench and ran out under an extremely heavy fire to the assistance of a wounded man. While running out he was severely wounded, and being unable to carry the man by himself he called for assistance. Lance-Corporal Lintott at once came to him and between them they carried the wounded soldier into shelter. After this, although severely wounded, Sergeant Traynor remained in command of his section, and was most cheerful, encouraging his men till the attack failed.

The London Gazette of 17 September 1901, Numb. 27356, p. 6101