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He was 20 years old, and a Private in the 2/5th Bn., The Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War
when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 June 1916 opposite Ficheux, France, during an attack on the enemy's position, Private Hutchinson was the leading man, and entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses. Afterwards, when the objective had been gained and the retirement ordered Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement thus ensuring that the wounded could be removed to safety. All the time he was exposed to fierce fire from machine-guns and rifles at close quarters.

He later achieved the rank of Corporal.

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.

282463 D.J. Taylor
killed at the
Battle of Artois.
http://www.1914-1918.net/55div.htm

The letter sent to his widow telling of his death Click on letter to see readable version

Casualty Details
Name: TAYLOR
Initials: D J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers
Unit Text: 2nd/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/10/1918
Service No: 282463
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 3.
Cemetery: ESPLECHIN CHURCHYARD