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Frederick Youens facts for kids

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Frederick Youens
VCFrederickYouensGrave.jpg
Grave of Frederick Youens at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Zillebeke
Born (1892-08-14)14 August 1892
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Died 7 July 1917(1917-07-07) (aged 24)
near Ypres, Belgium
Buried
Railway Dugouts Burial Ground
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Flag of the British Army.svg British Army
Years of service 1914 - 1917
Rank Second Lieutenant
Unit
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.

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.

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