Double Victoria Cross winner to be honoured at King’s Coronation

When Colonel Graham Johnson takes his place among the thousands of other military personnel marching through London’s streets, he will carry with him an item of huge significance which has both a military and personal connection, the sword of Captain Noel Chavasse, one of only two British double VC winners and the only double VC recipient of the First World War.

The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is responsible for maintaining the health of servicemen and women. The Corps is represented wherever British Soldiers are deployed, providing medical support to operations, exercises and adventurous training expeditions all over the world.

As Colonel of Army Medical Services, Graham sees his role as Chief People Officer, focusing on educating, nurturing, and developing those serving within the different cap badges: Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Royal Army Dental Corps and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps. [Find out more about these roles at Army Jobs]

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British Armed Forces. The Bar recognises the second awarding of the VC, as only one medal is ever awarded to any recipient.

Captain Noel Chavasse, qualified as a doctor and joined the RAMC when World War One broke out. In June 1915 he won a Military Cross after 12 hours rescuing casualties at Ypres. In August 1916 he was awarded his first VC for saving around 20 men while wounded at Guillemont On the Somme. His citation stated: “His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise.”

In July 1917, Chavasse saw action at the Battle of Passchendaele. With his men, he set up an advanced first-aid post in a captured German dugout. During heavy German shelling he was hit in the head, fracturing his skull. He received treatment for his injuries and later returned to his first-aid post, later sustaining two more head injuries.

On 2 August 1917, another shell blast resulted in a severe stomach wound which was so severe that Chavasse died on 4 August aged 32.

The citation for his second VC stated: “Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the dressing station, he refused to leave his post, and for two days not only continued to perform his duties but went out repeatedly under enemy fire to search for and deal with the wounded. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example, he was instrumental in rescuing many who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the severe weather conditions.”

Colonel Johnson (50) has been in service for 25 years; he explains the Regimental and personal connection to the double VC award winner:

“Noel Chavasse’s father was the Bishop of Liverpool at the time of his death, and he wrote to my widowed great grandmother when her third son was killed in 1917. My grandfather was the only son of four to survive WW1.

I have a copy of the letter which I find rather poignant and reflective. It reads: “None can feel for those who are bereaved, like those who have themselves lost their dear ones.”

He adds:

“That is as true today, as it was back then, that for all the ordinary people that join the Army, who do extraordinary things around the world in service of their country, and to support their mates. And we, as non-combatant’s will of course, treat anybody in line with humanity on the battlefield, dependent on their need. So, for me, it will be a poignant and special occasion, but really filled with pride. It is about pride and looking forward but with courage from looking backwards.”

During a break in rehearsals for the Coronation taking place at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), where personnel from across the Army Medical Corps were perfecting their marching drills, Colonel Johnson reflected on the incredible work they do at home and overseas:

“From doctors and nurses to allied health professionals. Dog handlers in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps to dental nurses and dental officers. These people are on an incredible journey. The opportunities for the next generation of clinicians who wish to join any of our four Corps is exciting and a place where they can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Graham, who was born in Carlisle, Cumbria explains why, during the Coronation procession he will march with sword not drawn:

“The Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Army Dental Corps and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps a have ‘special protected status’ through the Geneva Conventions and Law of armed Conflict. We only use our weapons in self-defence or when protecting our patients. That is why there are three guards in my procession group who do not have swords drawn or bayonets fixed.

The father of two who Commissioned from RMAS in 1997 looks ahead to the Coronation, and what his thoughts will be on this glorious occasion:

“It will, without doubt, be a special honour and a privilege. Even more so for me as I will be carrying the sword of Captain Noel Chavasse, who was a doctor of the Royal Army Medical Corps, the only person to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice in the First World War and who gave his life in the service of others.

My grandfather was the only one of four brothers to survive the Great War and was wounded in Gallipoli in 1915. I will be thinking of all those who continue to make the decision to live a life of purpose in the Armed Forces to step forward and to serve The Sovereign, the Nation and make new friends along the way.”

Captain Noel Chavasse is buried in the military cemetery at Brandhoek in Belgium. His headstone is the only one in the world engraved with two VC’s. Today, his medals are on display at the Imperial War Museum, London.

Colonel Johnson’s wife, Sarah, and two grown up children will be in London to absorb the atmosphere, witness the procession and hopefully catch sight of husband and father proudly playing his part in this historic occasion and with Captain Noel Chavasse by his side.