2nd Lieutenant Frank Edward Young V.C.

Rank or Title

Date of Birth

2 Oct 1895

Date of Death

18 Sep 1918

War time / or Pre War occupation

Bomber, Scout, Leader, Sergeant

Employer

1st Battalion The Hertfordshire Regiment

Medals Awarded

Place of Birth

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Nowshera District
Cherat
Pakistan

World War I Address

46 Wood Avenue
Folkstone
CT19 6HP
United Kingdom

Place of Death

Havrincourt
France

Grave Location

Hermies Hill British Cemetery
6 Rue Saint-Michel
62147 Hermies
France

War Memorial Location

Soldier or Civilian

  • Soldier

Frank Young was born on the 2nd October 1895, at Cherat in the North West Province, India. As his father, also called Frank Young, was a regular soldier, it is likely he was serving in the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment who were stationed there at the time.

The 19 year old Private Frank Young volunteered for service aboard but a physical disability stopped him from going to France in the autumn of 1914. However, his determination led to him going through an operation to overcome the problem and was appointed to the recently raised 2nd/1st Battalion of the Regiment to re-train and get fit enough for active service again. Frank went to France in a reinforcement draft, landing on French shores on the 21st January 1915 and soon became a Regimental Scout. Within months he was a Sergeant and had gained a reputation as a solid leader, a reliable scout and a good bomber.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions as described below:

"For most conspicuous bravery, determination and exceptional devotion to duty on 18th September, 1918, south-east of Havrincourt. In the early stages of the attack he rescued two of his men who had been captured, and bombed and silenced an enemy machine gun. Although surrounded by the enemy, 2nd Lt. Young fought his way back to the main barricade and drove out a party of the enemy who were assembling there. Throughout four hours of intense hand-to-hand fighting 2nd Lt. Young displayed the utmost valour and devotion to duty. He was last seen fighting hand to hand against a considerable number of the enemy."

Frank’s Victoria Cross Citation

“The London Gazette" No. 31067, dated 13th December 1918

 

Further information can be found at the homepage of the Bedfordshire Regiment.

Individual Location

Author: David

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