Jack Youll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Scott Youll
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The John Scott Youll VC Memorial in Thornley, County Durham
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| Born | 6 June 1897 Thornley, Durham, County Durham, England |
| Died | 27 October 1918 (aged 21) Vittorio Veneto, Italy |
| Buried |
Giavera British Cemetery, Veneto
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Engineers Northumberland Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Silver Medal of Military Valor |
John Scott Youll was a brave soldier from England. He was a Second Lieutenant in the British Army during World War I. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth soldiers. John Scott Youll was born on June 6, 1897, and sadly passed away on October 27, 1918.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
John Scott Youll was born in Thornley, Durham, County Durham, on June 6, 1897. His parents were Richard William and Margaret Youll. He went to Thornley Council School. Later, he studied to become an electrician. Around age 15, he started working as an apprentice electrician at Thornley Colliery.
World War I started in 1914. John Scott Youll joined the army in July 1915. He became part of the Royal Engineers. This group builds and maintains things for the army. He stayed in England for a year. Then, in August 1916, he went to the Western Front. This was a main battle area in France and Belgium.
Becoming an Officer
John Scott Youll showed great potential. He was chosen to train as an officer. He returned to England in February 1917 for this training. In June, he became a temporary Second Lieutenant. He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers. This was an infantry regiment. He went back to the Western Front in July.
He was 21 years old when he performed an amazing act of bravery. This happened during the battle of Asiago in Italy. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.
His Brave Actions
On June 15, 1918, John Scott Youll was leading a small group of soldiers. They were near Asiago, Italy. Suddenly, they came under heavy enemy fire. He quickly sent his men back to safety. He stayed behind to watch the enemy.
He could not rejoin his own company. So, he reported to a nearby unit. There, he took charge of soldiers from different groups. He bravely held his position against enemy attacks. Then, a machine-gun started firing from behind him. He immediately rushed forward. He captured the gun and defeated most of the enemy team. He then used the captured gun himself. He caused many casualties to the enemy.
After this, he led three separate counterattacks. Each time, he pushed the enemy back. His actions were incredibly brave and helped his side. For these actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Later Life and Memorial
Sadly, John Scott Youll was killed in action on October 27, 1918. This happened during the battle of Vittorio Veneto in Italy. He is buried at Giavera British Cemetery in Italy.
He also received the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valor. This is another award for bravery. In 2005, his home village of Thornley honored him. They unveiled a special memorial. It tells the story of his life and his brave actions.
