Brett Cloutman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Brett Mackay Cloutman
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| Born | 7 November 1881 Muswell Hill, London |
| Died | 15 August 1971 (aged 89) Highgate, London |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | 12th London Regiment (Rangers) Royal Engineers |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
| Other work | Barrister |
Sir Brett Mackay Cloutman (born November 7, 1891 – died August 15, 1971) was a brave British Army officer. He was also a successful lawyer. He is best known for being awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. He also received the Military Cross.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Brett Cloutman went to Berkhamsted School and Bishop's Stortford College. He later studied at London University. While at university, he joined the Officers' Training Corps. This program trained future officers for the army. He was part of the Royal Engineers section.
Military Adventures
When World War I started, Cloutman joined the army. He began as a Rifleman in a unit called the Rangers. This was part of the London Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. In 1915, he became a second lieutenant in the Kent (Fortress) Engineers. This was a special unit of the Territorial Force.
The Military Cross
By September 1918, Cloutman was an Acting Major. He was in charge of the 59th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. He earned the Military Cross for his courage. He bravely explored a river crossing near Banteux. This was done under heavy machine-gun fire. He wanted to see if a bridge could be built there.
The Victoria Cross
Just a few weeks later, Major Cloutman showed even greater bravery. This earned him the Victoria Cross. On November 6, 1918, he was near Pont-sur-Sambre. He found a bridge that the enemy had set up to explode.
He left his team hidden and went forward alone. He swam across the river to the bridge. Then, he cut the wires that would set off the explosives. He swam back the same way. All this happened while the bridge was being shot at by enemy shells and machine guns.
Even though the bridge was later blown up by other means, its base remained. This meant the Allies could rebuild it much faster. This amazing act of bravery was the last one to earn a Victoria Cross in World War I.
Life as a Lawyer
After the war, Brett Cloutman became a lawyer. He joined Gray's Inn in 1926. When World War II began, he served again in the Royal Engineers. He was even mentioned for his good work.
In 1946, he became a King's Counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers. The next year, he became a Senior Chairman for the War Pensions Tribunal. This group helped soldiers with their pensions. From 1954 to 1963, he was a Senior Official Referee for the Supreme Court.
In 1957, he was made a knight by the Queen. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. He was also a leader in the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.
Sir Brett Mackay Cloutman passed away in 1971. His ashes were buried in France, next to his brother. His Victoria Cross is now on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent.
