Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29695, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/29695/supplement/7743. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Lieutenant Richard Basil Brandram Jones, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery. On 21st May 1916 at Broadmarsh Crater, Vimy, France, Lieutenant Jones was holding with his platoon a crater recently captured from the enemy. About 7.30pm the enemy exploded a mine forty yards to his right, and at the same time put a heavy barrage of fire on our trenches, thus isolating the platoon. They then attacked in overwhelming numbers. Lieutenant Jones kept his men together, steadying them by his fine example, and shot no less than fifteen of the enemy as they advanced, counting them aloud as he did so to cheer his men. When his ammunition was expended he took a bomb, but was shot through the head while getting up to throw it. His splendid courage had so encouraged his men that when they had no more ammunition or bombs they threw stones and ammunition boxes at the enemy till only nine of the platoon were left. Finally they were compelled to retire.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29695, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issues/29695/supplement/7743. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Lieutenant Richard Basil Brandram Jones, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery. On 21st May 1916 at Broadmarsh Crater, Vimy, France, Lieutenant Jones was holding with his platoon a crater recently captured from the enemy. About 7.30pm the enemy exploded a mine forty yards to his right, and at the same time put a heavy barrage of fire on our trenches, thus isolating the platoon. They then attacked in overwhelming numbers. Lieutenant Jones kept his men together, steadying them by his fine example, and shot no less than fifteen of the enemy as they advanced, counting them aloud as he did so to cheer his men. When his ammunition was expended he took a bomb, but was shot through the head while getting up to throw it. His splendid courage had so encouraged his men that when they had no more ammunition or bombs they threw stones and ammunition boxes at the enemy till only nine of the platoon were left. Finally they were compelled to retire.