Lieut John William
Schofield V.C.
Birth: Mar. 4, 1892
Death: Apr. 9, 1918
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born at Revidge, near
Blackburn, Lancashire, he was serving as a second lieutenant
with the 5th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers when he
performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC near Givenchy,
France, April 9, 1918. From his citation: "For most conspicuous
bravery and devotion to duty in operations. 2nd Lt. Schofield
led a party of nine men against a strong point which was reported
strongly held by the enemy, and was attacked by about 100
of the enemy with bombs. He disposed his men so skilfully,
and made such good use of rifle and Lewis gun fire, that the
enemy took cover in dug-outs. This officer himself then held
up and captured a party of twenty. With the help of other
parties this position was then cleared of the enemy who were
all killed or captured. He then collected the remainder of
his men, made his party up to ten, and proceeded towards the
front line, previously informing his Commanding Officer as
to the position, and that he was proceeding to retake the
front line. He met large numbers of the enemy in a communication
trench in front of him and in a drain on his right and left.
His party opened rapid rifle fire, and he climbed out on to
the parapet under point blank machine gun fire, and, by his
fearless demeanour and bravery, forced the enemy to surrender.
As a result, 123 of the enemy, including several officers,
were captured by 2nd Lt. Schofield and his party. This very
gallant officer was killed a few minutes later." His
medals are in the collection of the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum,
Bury. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)
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Burial:
Vieille-Chapelle New Military (CWGC) Cemetery
Lacouture
Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
Plot: III. C. 8.