John Ripley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ripley
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| Born | 20 August 1867 Keith, Banffshire, Scotland |
| Died | 14 August 1933 (aged 65) St Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| Buried |
Upper Largo Cemetery, Fife
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Black Watch |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
John Ripley (born August 20, 1867 – died August 14, 1933) was a brave soldier from Scotland. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
Early Life and Army Service
John Ripley was born in Keith, Scotland, on August 20, 1867. After school, he worked different jobs. He became a slater, someone who fixes roofs. He lived in St Andrews, Scotland. In 1895, he married Jane Laing. They had a son named Alexander. Alexander also fought in the First World War.
In 1884, John joined the part-time Volunteer Force. He served for many years in the 6th Volunteer Battalion, Black Watch. He became a sergeant and was known as a great shot. He received the Volunteer Long Service Medal in 1909. He retired from this service in 1912.
When the First World War started, he volunteered to help recruit new soldiers. Then, on September 25, 1914, he joined the army for active service. He went to France in February 1915 with the 1st Battalion Black Watch. He held the rank of corporal.
Bravery at War
John Ripley was 47 years old during the battle of Aubers Ridge. He was a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch. He showed incredible bravery during this battle.
The Victoria Cross Action
On May 9, 1915, in Rue du Bois, France, Corporal Ripley led his section. They were attacking the enemy. He was the first soldier from his battalion to climb over the enemy's wall. From there, he showed his fellow soldiers where the gaps were in the German wire fences.
He then led his section through a break in the wall. They reached a second line of trenches. With only seven or eight men, he held this position. He blocked the enemy from attacking from other sides. He kept fighting until all his men had fallen. He himself was badly wounded in the head.
King George V presented the Victoria Cross to John Ripley. This happened at Buckingham Palace on July 12, 1915. At 47, John Ripley was the oldest person to win the Victoria Cross during the First World War.
Later Life and Legacy
After recovering from his wounds, John Ripley became an acting Sergeant in July 1915. He helped with recruiting new soldiers in Edinburgh. He left the army in March 1919.
He went back to work as a slater. He also swept chimneys and served in the town's fire brigade. Later, he was given the Freedom of St Andrews. This is a special honor from the city.
In August 1933, while working as a slater, John Ripley fell from a ladder. He seriously injured his spine. He died shortly after being taken to the hospital. He was 65 years old. He was buried in Upper Largo Cemetery, Scotland.
His medals are currently held by a private owner.
