James Hutchinson (VC)
James Hutchinson | |
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Born | Top Bank, Radcliffe, Lancashire | 9 July 1895
Died | 22 January 1972 Torquay, Devon | (aged 76)
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
Rank | Corporal |
Unit | The Lancashire Fusiliers |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
James Hutchinson VC (9 July 1895 – 22 January 1972) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was serving with the British Army during the First World War at the time of the award.
Hutchinson was 20 years old, and a private in the 2/5th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers (55th (West Lancashire) Division), British Army on 28 June 1916 when his actions in Ficheux, France earned him the Victoria Cross. His citation reads:
For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's position this soldier was the leading man, and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses. After our object had been gained and retirement ordered, Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement, and he did this with such gallantry and determination that the wounded were removed into safety. During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce fire from machine-guns and rifles at close quarters.[1]
He later achieved the rank of corporal.
References[]
- ^ "No. 29740". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 September 1916. p. 8870.
- Location of grave and VC medal (Devonshire)
- James Hutchinson at Find a Grave
- 1895 births
- 1972 deaths
- People from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester
- British World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross
- Lancashire Fusiliers soldiers
- British Army personnel of World War I
- British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross