Thomas Young (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Young
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| Birth name | Thomas Morrell |
| Born | 28 January 1895 Boldon, County Durham, England |
| Died | 15 October 1966 (aged 71) Whickham, England |
| Buried |
St Patrick's Cemetery, High Spen
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914−1921 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 203590 |
| Unit | Durham Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Thomas Young (born as Thomas Morrell) was a brave soldier from the British Army. He was born on January 28, 1895, and passed away on October 15, 1966. Thomas Young received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most important award for bravery in the face of danger. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
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Who Was Thomas Young?
Thomas Young grew up in a place called High Spen, which is now part of Gateshead in England. When he was 23 years old, he was a soldier during the First World War. He served as a 'private' in the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. A private is the lowest rank for a soldier. He earned his Victoria Cross for incredible bravery during the war.
His Heroic Actions in World War I
From March 25 to March 31, 1918, near a town called Bucquoy in France, Private Young showed amazing courage. He was a stretcher-bearer, which means his job was to help wounded soldiers. He worked tirelessly to rescue injured men from very dangerous places.
- Nine times, he went out into the open during daylight.
- He faced heavy enemy fire from rifles, machine guns, and shells.
- Each time, he brought wounded soldiers back to safety.
- If a soldier was too badly hurt to be moved right away, he would treat their wounds while still under fire.
- After treating them, he would carry them back by himself.
- Because of his brave actions, he saved nine lives during this time.
Remembering a Hero
Thomas Young's bravery is still remembered today.
Memorials and Tributes
- In July 2007, a special memorial was put up in the grounds of High Spen Primary School. This memorial honors both Thomas Young and another brave soldier from High Spen, William Dobson, who also received the Victoria Cross.
- His Victoria Cross medal was proudly shown at the Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery in Durham City.
- In May 2007, statues of Thomas Young and Lieutenant Richard Annand VC were placed inside South Shields Town Hall. Richard Annand was another brave soldier from the Durham Light Infantry who served in the Second World War. These statues were created by a sculptor named Roger Andrews.
