John Manson Craig

John Manson Craig
VC
Born 5 March 1896
Comrie, Perthshire
Died 19 February 1970(1970-02-19) (aged 73)
Crieff, Perthshire
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
 Royal Air Force
Rank Wing Commander
Unit The Royal Scots Fusiliers
Battles/wars World War I
World War II
Awards Victoria Cross

John Manson Craig VC (5 March 1896 19 February 1970) was a Scottish 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.

Craig was 21 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, British Army, attached to 1/5th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 June 1917 in Egypt, an advanced post having been rushed by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Craig immediately organised a rescue party and after tracking the enemy back to his trenches, set his party to work removing the dead and wounded under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. An NCO was wounded and a medical officer who went to his aid was also wounded. Second Lieutenant Craig went out at once and got the NCO under cover, but while taking the medical officer to shelter was himself wounded. Nevertheless, the rescue was effected, and he then scooped cover for the wounded, thus saving their lives.[1]

He served in World War II in the Royal Air Force.

References

  1. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30215. pp. 7905–7906. 31 July 1917. Retrieved 30 April 2015.

External links

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