Frederick Youens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Youens
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![]() Grave of Frederick Youens at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Zillebeke
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Born | High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire |
14 August 1892
Died | 7 July 1917 near Ypres, Belgium |
(aged 24)
Buried |
Railway Dugouts Burial Ground
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Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
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Years of service | 1914 - 1917 |
Rank | Second Lieutenant |
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Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frederick Youens was a very brave soldier from England. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most important award for bravery in the face of danger given to soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. He earned this special medal during World War I.
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Frederick Youens: A True Hero
Frederick Youens was born on August 14, 1892. He joined the British Army and became a Second Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion of The Durham Light Infantry. This was during World War I, a huge global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918.
His Incredible Bravery
On July 7, 1917, near a place called Hill 60 in Belgium, something amazing happened. The enemy soldiers were getting ready to attack the British trenches. Even though Second Lieutenant Youens had already been hurt, he immediately went to help a machine gun team that was in trouble.
While he was helping, an enemy bomb landed right near the machine gun. It didn't explode! Without hesitation, Second Lieutenant Youens quickly picked up the bomb and threw it away, over the wall of the trench.
But then, another bomb landed in almost the same spot. Again, he bravely picked it up. This time, the bomb exploded in his hand. He was very badly wounded, and some of his men were hurt too. Second Lieutenant Youens later died from his injuries. His incredible courage saved his men and showed true heroism.
Where He is Remembered
Frederick Youens is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Belgium. This special place is a cemetery for soldiers who died in the war.
He also went to the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, which is a famous school in England.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Frederick Youens's Victoria Cross medal is a very important piece of history. You can see it on display at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Durham City, England. It reminds everyone of his amazing bravery and sacrifice.