2nd Lieutenant John Scott Youll
JOHN Scott Youll, known as Jack, was born in Thornley on June 6 1897 and from the age of 15 worked as an electrician until he joined the army. He worked his way up the ranks to become a temporary second lieutenant for the Northumberland Fusiliers.
While commanding a patrol on June 15, 1918, he came under fire near Asiago, Italy.
He was able to send his men to safety and remained to observe the situation. When he realised was unable to rejoin his company, he joined a neighbouring unit and was able to maintain control until faced with machine gun fire.
Youll rushed the gunner, captured the gun and turned it on the enemy. He led several men in three counter-attacks. According to The London Gazette, Youll was awarded the Victoria Cross for “his complete disregard of personal safety and very gallant leading set a magnificent example to all”.
HONOURED: First World War hero Second Lieutenant John Scott Youll was honoured with unveiling of memorial paving stone in Thornley. Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT
He was later awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace and received a hero’s welcome at the Hippodrome Theatre on his return home to Thornley.
Accepting gifts of a gold watch and chain and silver cigarette case paid for by local subscription, he said: “There are two kinds of honour, the seen and the unseen. I hope the people of Thornley give the rest of the boys the same recognition on their return.”
After returning to his unit, Youll was tragically killed in action at the battle of Vittorio Veneto, Italy, on October 27 1918 – just weeks before the Armistice.
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