John Crawshaw Raynes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Crawshaw Raynes
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| Born | 28 April 1887 Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Died | 12 November 1929 (aged 42) Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Buried |
Harehills Cemetery, Leeds
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1904 - 1912, 1914 - 1918 |
| Rank | Battery Sergeant Major |
| Unit | Royal Field Artillery |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Police officer |
John Crawshaw Raynes was an English soldier. He was born in Sheffield on April 28, 1887. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces.
Raynes joined the Royal Horse and Field Artillery in 1904. He served until 1912. After that, he became a police officer in Leeds. However, he had health problems from being gassed during the war. This made it hard for him to continue his police duties. He eventually had to take a desk job. He passed away on November 12, 1929, at the age of 42.
Contents
A True Hero: John Crawshaw Raynes
Bravery in World War I
John Crawshaw Raynes was 28 years old during the First World War. He was an Acting Sergeant in the Royal Field Artillery. His brave actions happened on October 11, 1915. This was near a place called Fosse 7 de Bethune in France.
During a battle, Sergeant Raynes saw another sergeant who was hurt. He quickly went to help the wounded man. He bandaged his injuries. Then, he went back to his own gun. When the fighting stopped, he carried the injured soldier to a safe dug-out.
Suddenly, gas shells started falling. Sergeant Raynes quickly put his own gas mask on his injured friend. He himself was badly affected by the gas. But he still went back to his gun.
The very next day, a house was shelled. Raynes and others were buried under the rubble. As soon as he was pulled out, he insisted on helping rescue others. After his own wounds were treated, he reported back for duty. His amazing bravery earned him the Victoria Cross. Today, his medal is kept at the Royal Artillery Museum.
Life After the War
After the war, John Crawshaw Raynes continued his service. He later reached the rank of Battery Sergeant Major. This is a senior non-commissioned officer rank.
A Hero's Farewell
When John Crawshaw Raynes died, many people came to his funeral. It showed how much he was respected. Nineteen other Victoria Cross recipients attended. Eight of them were from Yorkshire. They helped carry his coffin.
The 71st Field Brigade Royal Artillery provided a special gun carriage for his coffin. A purple cushion carried his medals. A wreath shaped like a Victoria Cross was also carried. This wreath was a gift from other Victoria Cross holders. It showed how much they missed their friend.
Mr. Raynes had been invited to a special dinner for Victoria Cross holders. But he was too ill to go. He had hoped his son, John Kenneth, could attend in his place. On Armistice Day, he received a telegram from his friends. They sent their greetings and promised him a souvenir from the dinner. This souvenir was the special wreath.
The funeral service was held at St Clement’s Church. Important people like the Lord and Lady Mayor were there. A squad of police officers also attended. A firing squad from the West Yorkshire Regiment honored him. The "Last Post" was played. So many people came to pay their respects that the cemetery gates had to be closed. It is estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 people were there. This shows how popular and admired this brave man was.
He was buried at Harehills Cemetery in Leeds.
