John Niel Randle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Niel Randle
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| Born | 22 December 1917 Benares (now Varanasi), British India |
| Died | 6 May 1944 (aged 26) Kohima, Assam |
| Buried |
Kohima War Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1944 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | 130097 |
| Unit | Royal Norfolk Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Leslie Thomas Manser VC (brother-in-law) |
John Niel Randle was a brave British Army officer. He was born on December 22, 1917, and passed away on May 6, 1944. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth.
John Niel Randle was one of only three people to earn the Victoria Cross in India during the Second World War. The other two were John Pennington Harman and Abdul Hafiz.
Contents
Who Was John Niel Randle?
John Niel Randle was born in India. His father, Dr. Herbert Niel Randle, was a professor and writer. His mother was Edith Joan.
John went to school at the Dragon School and Marlborough College. Later, he studied law at Merton College, Oxford. At Oxford, he became good friends with Leonard Cheshire, who also won the Victoria Cross in the Second World War.
John Niel Randle married Mavis Ellen Manser. Mavis's brother, Leslie Thomas Manser, also received the Victoria Cross. He was awarded it after he passed away in 1942 during a bombing mission.
John Randle's Military Service
John Randle joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment in May 1940. He started as a second lieutenant. By the age of 26, he had become a temporary Captain.
Captain Randle was in charge of 'B' Company. This was part of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment.
The Battle of Kohima
In May 1944, Captain Randle was fighting in the Battle of Kohima. This battle took place in northeast India. His company was ordered to attack the Japanese army. They needed to clear an area called General Purpose Transport (GPT) Ridge. This was part of a plan to help and clear the area around Kohima.
The Victoria Cross Medal
John Niel Randle's Victoria Cross medal is very important. His son, John, has loaned it to the Imperial War Museum. You can see it displayed there. It is shown next to the Victoria Cross medal of his friend, Leonard Cheshire.
Remembering Captain Randle
Captain Randle's story has been shared in different ways.
In 2006, an actor named Tom Hiddleston played him. This was for a TV show called Victoria Cross Heroes. The show included real old videos and acted-out scenes of his brave actions. It also had interviews with his son and grandson.
There is a special memorial for Captain Randle. You can find it in St Peter's Church in Petersham.
