My Grandfather, from Everton, served in the Liverpool Scottish and after 2 years at the front was badly injured at Passchendaele and was sent home for good by Dr Chavasse. A decision that probably saved his life. We still toast him every year.
What a great man of bravery and of love this man was in his service and sacrifice, All who in the the graves will here His voice and come forth, and surely this man and his wonderful feeds will be remembered.
Thank you for highlighting the story of the incredibly brave, selfless Capt Noel Chavasse VC & Bar. He is an inspirational figure, and was revered in the Liverpool Scottish Regt. In 1998, I was privileged enough as a member of V Coy The Liverpool Scottish, to be directly involved in the unveiling ceremony of the dedicated memorial to Capt Chavasse in Belgium. We also visited his grave at Brandhoek. His nephew, Edgar Chavasse accompanied our party and he gave a speech about his uncle. It seems bravery runs in the family, Edgar was a member of SOE during WW2 and he operated covertly in Yugoslavia with the partisans. Liverpool Scottish has an illustrious history, dating back to the Boer war. During WW1, it deployed to France shortly after London Scottish- the first Territorial unit to do so. LS quickly earned a superb reputation, which resulted in Brigade commanders regularly arguing over command of the regt. Actor Basil Rathbone aka Sherlock Holmes served as a Captain in LS, we won the MC for bravery. He commanded a Recce Plt tasked with the immensely dangerous job of crawling across no-mans land in order to eavesdrop on German trenches to gather intel. Occasionally, Rathbone and his men were required to raid German trenches in order to snatch a couple of prisoners, who would be dragged back to British lines for intel gathering purposes. Trafford Leigh-Mallory, brother of Mallory who died on Everest, also served in LS as a private in the earlier years of WW1. He subsequently joined the RFC, and continued his service with the RAF. Leigh-Mallory commanded No 12 Group, RAF Fighter Command during the Battle Of Britain. During WW2, Liverpool Scottish was utilised as a training regiment, one of the three LS battalions changed role and became a Royal Artillery unit. Many of the soldiers who passed through LS went directly to the elite units of the British Army- including the LRDG, Commando's, Para Regt and the SAS. No other British Army regular, or Territorial unit provided more men for the elite units than Liverpool Scottish did- which speaks volumes about the calibre the unit. The last time British soldiers fought in battle in the kilt occurred during the St. Nazaire dry dock raid- referred to as, 'The Greatest Raid Of All.' Those men wore the Liverpool Scottish Forbes tartan- they were No 5 Troop, 2 Commando The Liverpool Scottish. I recall in the late 90's on Remembrance Day parades, we had WW2 SAS veteran's parading with the LS Regimental Association. Did they wear the sand coloured beret of The Regt? No- they all wore the Glengarry and blue hackle with the LS capbadge and the Forbes tartan kilt. Which speaks volumes about the esprit de corps associated with Liverpool Scottish- *ONCE A LIVERPOOL JOCK- ALWAYS A LIVERPOOL JOCK.* There is something extremely special about a regiment which bears the name of the city it heralds from- especially a GREAT city with a tremendous depth of history like Liverpool. Every year on Remembrance Day, the Para Regt Association form up and participate in the dedicated service of Remembrance for Liverpool Scottish in the gardens at the rear of St. George's Hall. It says a lot when elite Para's want to show their respect for another unit, and it's very much appreciated. *It was a GREAT privilege to serve in Liverpool Scottish*- the only other Territorial unit with a similar illustrious history and esprit de corps was London Scottish. The latter has recently laid up it's colours and re-badged to become a reserve Coy of the Scots Guards.
Thank you so much for sharing some of the history and exploits of the Liverpool Scottish. I was aware of Basil Rathbone being in the regiment but not how he received his MC. Whilst I was aware that Leigh Mallory and Everest Mallory were related I wasn't aware that the former was in the Liverpool Scottish. Thanks for the info on the St. Nazaire Raid; I'm planning to cover that event in a video in the coming months. Best wishes Chris
@@TheHistoryChap You are very welcome indeed! Liverpool Scottish was a very interesting regiment, in the very early years, recruits had to have Scottish heritage, they also paid to join the regt! It was a very middle class regt, with many professional people within it's ranks. There are a number of books available via the Liverpool Scottish website, including an excellent history of it's WW1 experiences written by A.M McGilchrist, who served as an officer during WW1. His book is entitled, 'The Liverpool Scottish 1900-1919.' There is also a superb book written by Dennis Reeves, which details the involvement of Liverpool Scots in the various elite British formations during WW2. Brigadier C. E. Lucas refers regularly to the Liverpool Scottish Commando's in his superb book about St. Nazaire, 'The Greatest Raid Of All.' Essential reading! Bit of trivia for you, if you watch the credits at the end of, 'Last Of The Virgin Soldiers,' one of the images portrays a WW1 Liverpool Scot- Pte Donald Henderson- he's wearing his diced Glengarry, keep you eyes peeled for him! :)
Thanks for your firsthand on the LS. I am retired U.S. Army. I served with a unit for 5 years and three combat deployments. That type of time allows a soldier to not only learn and marvel, but to take the unit's history in a prideful manner that is often hard to convey to a civilian. Soldiers have and do die willingly on battlefields to uphold their units' reputation and honor. GBU
This family is in itself amazing having served their adopted country and the City of Liverpool proudly. Thank you Chris for this story telling their story. I was riveted throughout.
I wouldn't have said they served their 'adopted' country, since the family was English by this point and had married into English families since the 1700s, but certainly he was an adopted son of Liverpool.
What an incredible story of bravery, honor and devotion to his fellow soldiers especially the wounded. The chutzpah it must have taken to crawl out in no man's land to rescue wounded soldiers. Then to be found washing the stretcher bearers socks shows true humility when awarded the nation's highest honor for bravery. I was moved by this story not just of Noel but the entire family, wow is all I can say and it fails to encapsulate the emotions I am conveying, I salute each and every member who sacrificed for King and country ❤️ 💙 🙏 👏
As always you tell the story with the passion and honour it deserves. This is a heartbreaking story that all Scousers should know, yet sadly, like many truly inspirational stories it is forgotten by most. Yet if you look closely the story is around the city, including in the Victoria Cross Pub. Keep up the good work, reminding people of stories that should never be forgotten.
The real VC heroes are the ones whose actions helped the immediate battle situation like my late friend Edward Cooper VC KRRC who cleared a machine gun blockhouse at Langermarke in 1917 thus helping the advance to proceed.
What a man, like so many who paid the ultimate price that we should be where we are today. A real hero. So much can be learnt from this amazing story of selfless sacrifice for others.
Although I served, I had never heard of this officer, until my son joined the army and was in Chavesse training company at Pirbright. I looked up his incredible history. on the way back to Calais I took a slight detour to see his grave. His grave is the same as all the others, except it has the two VCs, he is buried with his comrades.
I served as an officer in the Liverpool Scottish and once his VC and bar were brought out from the bank vault and I had the honour of being given it to hold. A very humbling moment.
Another excellent video Chris. I suspect Noel's athletic performance was impeded by the drag caused by his enormous balls. A legend of a man and rightly revered by the RAMC to this day. A video on the VADs? Yes please!
@Barry Alexander. My great aunt Christina was engaged to a medic in WW1, and was a nurse in a hospital in Cardiff. He was killed at the battle if Ypres so she volunteered to go to a field hospital in France. A German shell made a direct hit on the hospital and they never found her body.
Having grown up and lived in the city all my life and being a avid enjoyer of military history I never once thought of the reasoning regarding the parks name. Brilliant video, thank you.
☝An M.C. is big. Winning a V.C. is very, very big, a bar for V.C. is absolutely unique, winning them by saving lives is astronomical. God bless him ! I'm already looking forward to VAD's story. A pleasure to hear you lecture. Thanks for your ensuciasm Chris.👍👍👍
@@anthonyeaton5153 According to the dictionary, you are of course right. You are of course also a terribly noisy example of a wordsmith Noel Chavasse is the only one who has been awarded the VC twice for saving human lives. You don't need to answer this as you and your ilk are not worth wasting any more time on. Sincerely, Jan Lindtner.
While I was at Liverpool University I came across his bust in Liverpool Cathedral. This inspired me to research him and read a few books about his life and heroics, he truly is one of my heroes in life
Thanks Chris for sharing this fascinating piece of history, a worthy story of absolute courage and duty. What a family. I had the privilege of seeing Noels and his other familie members medals in the VC gallery at the IWM a few years ago. Thanks again for sharing.
Christopher also played Rugby League for St Helens, became the Bishop of Rochester In Kent in 1940, he is proudly remembered in the cathedral and in the bishops house, where a large picture of him hangs on the stairwell His Son, Named after his uncle Noel, alsoserved as an aide to Montgomery during WW2 *Edit you beat me to it 😂
As a recipient of an MC many speak of courage and bravery....I can only describe my actions as..."its better to do something than nothing"..the words inscribed on a hip flask gifted to me by a comrade in arms.
Excellent video - it's quite humbling hearing about such a terrific man. Would be great to hear more from you about the other two men who have won the VC twice, Arthur Martin-Leake & Charles Upham I believe. Thanks Chris! (and yes to VAD too!)
After the war my grandfather worked with Charles Upham at what was then Lincoln College a little south of Christchurch teaching him some farming skills....the model farm was called Ashley Dene..( spelling probably wrong...I have never seen it written ).
I was in Liverpool in 2018 and made it a target to visit as many Chavasse references as possible. The park was a problem because the info boards were hidden by vegetation. Nobody that I asked knew where they were and I walked that park flat until I found it. He was an amazing man, a true inspiration, and one of those rare people who go on to do great things. Who knows what he would have achieved had he survived. VAD Vid? Yes, and nurses during the wars too.
Thank you for another grand tale from History. A genuine Boy's Own Adventure this time around. The kind of stuff that inspired young boys to grow-up to fight and die for their country. As you summarised: "There is no greater love...". If only there were no need for War.
Another brilliant story. I love the way you included his family to make him a real person. On the subject of WWI medical heroics, have you thought of doing something on FANY. The brave women of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry drove ambulances under fire and won 17 Military Medals while doing it.
I was gobsmacked a few years ago when I discovered that these three had won the VC twice. Then is dawned on me that if you were courageous enough to win the VC, there was no reason why you would not continue to be courageous enough, and possibly win it again. But circumstances didn't allow that to happen often. My second observation relates to the fact that two of these three were medics. To win the VC, you need to perform acts of extreme bravery, IN THE FACE OF ENEMY FIRE. Without the enemy fire, the same bravery would earn you the George Cross. A member of the medical corps is highly likely to perform an act of supreme bravery, IN THE FACE OF ENEMY FIRE, without himself carrying a weapon or being able to fire back. That would make his bravery even more exceptional. That, I think, explains why two of these three very gallant gentlemen were doctors, and we ought to regard them with the reverence they deserve. Thank you for the 3 special videos.
I visited his grave many years ago, my inlaws served with 22 Field hospital. We were on a tour accompanied by welsh veterans and a choir, my in laws persuaded one of the belgian buglers from the Menin gate to play the last post at his grave, sang a couple of hymns and a few words from my father in law and laid a wreath. Quite a man, thankyou
Noel Chavasse is an example of bravery, duty, and devotion to country in its purest. Thank you Sir for the moving narrative for it has touch my heart. My grandfather was a veteran of that war. It is my hope that we should keep the memory of men like Captain Chavasse alive. God bless you and your future endeavours.
What an incredible story and what an incredible man was Noel Chavasse, even though he was seriously injured himself, his only thoughts were for the safety of his own Men. I am deeply moved by his selflessness and Bravery and not just on one occasion but time and time again did he display this selfless behaviour...thank you so much for sharing Noels story with us
I went to school with a girl who’s great uncle was the Noel Chavasse in this video. We went on a school trip to the battlefields in Belgium, it was quite an emotional experience for her to visit his grave, hopefully a proud moment also
Thanks for this inspiring video, Chris, and yes I look forward to your forthcoming production of a video about the VAD nurses. However, may I suggest that you consider producing one about the all-female FANY? This uniformed organisation, never legally part of the British armed forces, served alongside the British Army in two world wars and still exists today (see their web site). Many of its members being decorated for conspicuous gallantry.
I've never heard of this organisation before, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry to give it the full name. Thank you for pointing it out and well worth a video I'm sure
Thank you very much for this talk about this incredibly courageous man. I am ashamed to admit that I had never heard about him before. Yes please to a talk about the VADs
Once again a first class video about and exceptional , and brave man. Most enjoyable. Thank you so very much.We here in the U.S.A.do not know of the incredible bravery of the members of the UK armed forces as well as we should. Many of the brave deeds of our own military are not taught in our schools .( and that's just sad beyond words) Once again thank you for ALL of your videos.
Glad you are enjoying them. Loads more planned (152 on the list and counting!). Thanks for your support. Please make sure that you subscribe (if you haven't already).
I'm pleased to see you have taken up my suggestion and you are covering Captain Noel Chavasse. A remarkably brave man. Interestingly of the three men who received the the VC twice two were doctors and only Chavasse won both in the same war. My paternal grandfather served with the Royal Garrison Artillery at both the Somme and Passchendaele.
@@cash14587 Thank you for your nice wishes I’m glad. It’s my pleasure to meet you Kent. I’m looking for someone to talk to and be friends if you don’t mind. I live in New York, how about you? Waiting to hear from you again 😊
My great grandfather, Sir Robert Jones, worked with Noel Chavasse in Liverpool. They corresponded regularly throughout the war, Chavasse employing many of Jones’ treatment principles. He was devastated when he heard of Chavasse’s death.
Many years ago as a kid I was told that my great grandfather and the good captain were friends. My great grandfather was brought fresh socks and shirt each day, delivered by Capt. Chavasse. The only thing my great grandfather ever told me was that he was at Ypres and they pronounced it wipers. Your video was a must see for me as I knew nothing else about the Captain. You reinvigorate my desire to research not only my great grandfathers record but that of the rest of my family’s military history. Lest we forget, The Greatest Generation.
I'm lucky enough to have held an actual VC in my hands - it belonged to Sgt Alfred Knight of the Post Office Rifles. It is now owned by the Post Office. I've also in the past met a living VC holder Sir Tasker Watkins, whose statue stands outside the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
What a truly courageous and compassionate man Noel Chavasse was, imagine being in those hellish battles fighting not only the Germans but horrific battle injuries, infection vermin and mud with really basic medical supplies, wonderful upload of a very brave man.
Incredible story, but it saddens me because there are so few men of such character with strong senses of duty and loyalty today. These are the stories our youths need, not Woke theory.
😮 That was Brilliant. I love your work, I can be guaranteed that even if I know a subject well that you will unearth a nugget and enlighten me further, for instance I attended Liverpool university between 1995 and 1998 my archaeology and ancient history rooms were around Abercrombie square and the amount of time I spent there reading up on Sulla & Marius and the Punic wars is only comparative to the time I spent in the Cambridge pub, a 2 minute walk away. To know that now there is a statue of this inspiring man there is brilliant and to know that he also lived there is a surprise. Thank you "" H Chap "" Love your work. M.M
Thank you so much Chris, this story brought tears to my eyes. It is so important that we are made aware of these extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice.
My dad was one of millions who did their duty in WW2. He had a wife and three kids when he was drafted in 1944. He was an ordinary man. He said the only reason he went overseas was because he knew the Army would come after him if he went AWOL. He was wounded in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and was in a hospital in England during the Battle of the Bulge. He was so disappointed that he had to go back to the war in early 1945. WW2 was the defining moment of his life and he talked about the war constantly until his death in 1980. I listened to many, many war stories as he landed in France, marched to and through Belgium into Germany. His service in WW2 has also stayed with me throughout my life.
I've walked past that last time I was in Liverpool, and never even knew there was a park up there (The tall steps didn't even have grass on as shown here, I'm sure of it) So I've learnt that, too. Thanks for another interesting subject!
A great tribute. FYI: One of my great-uncles was in the Liverpool Scots (King's Regiment) and died at Guillemont in 1916, where Chavasse was serving. His family had moved for work down to Liverpool from the Dumfries area in the early part of the century. He had previously been a reserve soldier in the Dumfries area and joined the King's Regiment in Liverpool with many other Scots who had moved south. As fate would have it, my great-uncle's brother was killed almost to the day a year later in 1917 (he was in a different regiment) and only a few days after Chavasse's death. He is buried in the same cemetery as Chavasse. The first great-uncle is officially only commemorated at the Thiepval monument. The Liverpool Scottish have a website where you can find many infos about the regiment history.
I stopped by his grave West of Ypres one time when cycling in Belgium. A tiny but beautiful cemetery and a modest grave... with two VCs depicted on the gravestone
Chris, that was excellent ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚕️Coming from an RAMC background I started my RAMC training in depot in Temple Troop. Chavasse Troop came before and Bradshaw after. Could you see your way to doing videos on all the RAMC VC winners, including the one that was awarded the VC and German Iron Cross !! ⚕️🇩🇪🇬🇧💂🏼♀️
My Great Great Uncle Joseph E Hobson (Worcestershire Regiment) was killed at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle 12th March 1915. I've visited his grave several times and tracked down and stood in the field where he was killed. Just an amazing sombre place to be - The Somme. Visited Capt Chavesse grave too. If you have never been to the Somme, go and witness the immense sacrifice so that we could be free... Never forgotten.
My late wife's great uncle, she was very fond of her great aunt May (one of the other twins in the family with Marlorie, both lived to celebrate their 100th birthday) and spent a lot of time with her talking about the family history, unfortunately, my wife's plans to write it up never came about.
Thank you Chris for this story of a man who did his job. and did it more than well I was a pupil (1974-1979) at Magdalen College School where he studied. I remember seeing his VCs and some of his uniform in the MCS library that used to be the school chapel. I feel very proud to have been a pupil at the same school. Also, please remember Captain John FOX RUSSELL, RAMC, 27/01/1893-06/11/1917.. RAMC, MC, VC. Who served in Egypt and Palestine. He also attended Magdalen College School, Oxford.
@@TheHistoryChap . Can I recommend to you a book By David Bebbington, titled "Mr Brownriggs boys". It is a book which tells the stories of 50 boys (pastor present at the time) who died during the Hreat War. It includes Captain Noel Chavasse and John Fox-Russell,
Thank you! A very amazing and emotional biography. I strive to be a hero like these people's stories, such as Noel Chavasse. I may never achieve their legacy but I feel, in my heart, to try.
I’ve been to all 3 of these VC and Bar remarkable men’s graves. Arthur Martin Leeke in Hertfordshire. Charles Hazlitt Upham in Christchurch New Zealand and Noel Godfrey Chavasse in Brandhoek cemetery Ypres. What an honour I’ve had paying my respects to you 3 outstanding heroes.
Capt. Noel Chevasse was truly an accomplished, brave and selfless man who was a shining example to us all. He not only distinguished himself at Oxford with a First, and then a Medical Degree, he was an accomplished sportsman and took an interest in the OUOTC (Oxford University Officer's Training Corps). Noel could have led a safe life back in the UK but chose to serve in the Liverpool Scottish as an MO (medical Officer). He tirelessly petitioned for better medical treatment of injured men, sometimes being abrasive with his superiors over this. Noel chose to serve always in the front line rather than in the safety of hospitals miles behind the front lines. He was injured twice, the last seriously, and died in Aug 1917, almost 3 years to the day from when he joined up. Capt. Chevasse had the rare distinction of being 1 of 3 people awarded a double VC since the inception of this award for outstanding bravery. On his deathbed he asked a nurse to write a letter to his fiancée Gladys where he told her how much he loved her and regretted he had not married her due to the call to Duty. Chris -- Yes please regarding a video on the well-to-do volunteer nurses of the VAD.
My Grandfather, from Everton, served in the Liverpool Scottish and after 2 years at the front was badly injured at Passchendaele and was sent home for good by Dr Chavasse. A decision that probably saved his life. We still toast him every year.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share that story about your grandfather
😮@@TheHistoryChap
What a great man of bravery and of love this man was in his service and sacrifice, All who in the the graves will here His voice and come forth, and surely this man and his wonderful feeds will be remembered.
Thank you for highlighting the story of the incredibly brave, selfless Capt Noel Chavasse VC & Bar. He is an inspirational figure, and was revered in the Liverpool Scottish Regt. In 1998, I was privileged enough as a member of V Coy The Liverpool Scottish, to be directly involved in the unveiling ceremony of the dedicated memorial to Capt Chavasse in Belgium. We also visited his grave at Brandhoek. His nephew, Edgar Chavasse accompanied our party and he gave a speech about his uncle. It seems bravery runs in the family, Edgar was a member of SOE during WW2 and he operated covertly in Yugoslavia with the partisans. Liverpool Scottish has an illustrious history, dating back to the Boer war. During WW1, it deployed to France shortly after London Scottish- the first Territorial unit to do so. LS quickly earned a superb reputation, which resulted in Brigade commanders regularly arguing over command of the regt. Actor Basil Rathbone aka Sherlock Holmes served as a Captain in LS, we won the MC for bravery. He commanded a Recce Plt tasked with the immensely dangerous job of crawling across no-mans land in order to eavesdrop on German trenches to gather intel. Occasionally, Rathbone and his men were required to raid German trenches in order to snatch a couple of prisoners, who would be dragged back to British lines for intel gathering purposes. Trafford Leigh-Mallory, brother of Mallory who died on Everest, also served in LS as a private in the earlier years of WW1. He subsequently joined the RFC, and continued his service with the RAF. Leigh-Mallory commanded No 12 Group, RAF Fighter Command during the Battle Of Britain.
During WW2, Liverpool Scottish was utilised as a training regiment, one of the three LS battalions changed role and became a Royal Artillery unit. Many of the soldiers who passed through LS went directly to the elite units of the British Army- including the LRDG, Commando's, Para Regt and the SAS. No other British Army regular, or Territorial unit provided more men for the elite units than Liverpool Scottish did- which speaks volumes about the calibre the unit. The last time British soldiers fought in battle in the kilt occurred during the St. Nazaire dry dock raid- referred to as, 'The Greatest Raid Of All.' Those men wore the Liverpool Scottish Forbes tartan- they were No 5 Troop, 2 Commando The Liverpool Scottish. I recall in the late 90's on Remembrance Day parades, we had WW2 SAS veteran's parading with the LS Regimental Association. Did they wear the sand coloured beret of The Regt? No- they all wore the Glengarry and blue hackle with the LS capbadge and the Forbes tartan kilt. Which speaks volumes about the esprit de corps associated with Liverpool Scottish- *ONCE A LIVERPOOL JOCK- ALWAYS A LIVERPOOL JOCK.* There is something extremely special about a regiment which bears the name of the city it heralds from- especially a GREAT city with a tremendous depth of history like Liverpool.
Every year on Remembrance Day, the Para Regt Association form up and participate in the dedicated service of Remembrance for Liverpool Scottish in the gardens at the rear of St. George's Hall. It says a lot when elite Para's want to show their respect for another unit, and it's very much appreciated.
*It was a GREAT privilege to serve in Liverpool Scottish*- the only other Territorial unit with a similar illustrious history and esprit de corps was London Scottish. The latter has recently laid up it's colours and re-badged to become a reserve Coy of the Scots Guards.
Thank you so much for sharing some of the history and exploits of the Liverpool Scottish.
I was aware of Basil Rathbone being in the regiment but not how he received his MC.
Whilst I was aware that Leigh Mallory and Everest Mallory were related I wasn't aware that the former was in the Liverpool Scottish.
Thanks for the info on the St. Nazaire Raid; I'm planning to cover that event in a video in the coming months.
Best wishes
Chris
@@TheHistoryChap You are very welcome indeed! Liverpool Scottish was a very interesting regiment, in the very early years, recruits had to have Scottish heritage, they also paid to join the regt! It was a very middle class regt, with many professional people within it's ranks. There are a number of books available via the Liverpool Scottish website, including an excellent history of it's WW1 experiences written by A.M McGilchrist, who served as an officer during WW1. His book is entitled, 'The Liverpool Scottish 1900-1919.' There is also a superb book written by Dennis Reeves, which details the involvement of Liverpool Scots in the various elite British formations during WW2. Brigadier C. E. Lucas refers regularly to the Liverpool Scottish Commando's in his superb book about St. Nazaire, 'The Greatest Raid Of All.' Essential reading! Bit of trivia for you, if you watch the credits at the end of, 'Last Of The Virgin Soldiers,' one of the images portrays a WW1 Liverpool Scot- Pte Donald Henderson- he's wearing his diced Glengarry, keep you eyes peeled for him! :)
Thanks for your firsthand on the LS. I am retired U.S. Army. I served with a unit for 5 years and three combat deployments. That type of time allows a soldier to not only learn and marvel, but to take the unit's history in a prideful manner that is often hard to convey to a civilian. Soldiers have and do die willingly on battlefields to uphold their units' reputation and honor. GBU
This family is in itself amazing having served their adopted country and the City of Liverpool proudly. Thank you Chris for this story telling their story. I was riveted throughout.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching
I wouldn't have said they served their 'adopted' country, since the family was English by this point and had married into English families since the 1700s, but certainly he was an adopted son of Liverpool.
What an incredible story of bravery, honor and devotion to his fellow soldiers especially the wounded. The chutzpah it must have taken to crawl out in no man's land to rescue wounded soldiers. Then to be found washing the stretcher bearers socks shows true humility when awarded the nation's highest honor for bravery. I was moved by this story not just of Noel but the entire family, wow is all I can say and it fails to encapsulate the emotions I am conveying, I salute each and every member who sacrificed for King and country ❤️ 💙 🙏 👏
Harry, thanks for sharing those words and emotions
As always you tell the story with the passion and honour it deserves. This is a heartbreaking story that all Scousers should know, yet sadly, like many truly inspirational stories it is forgotten by most. Yet if you look closely the story is around the city, including in the Victoria Cross Pub.
Keep up the good work, reminding people of stories that should never be forgotten.
David, I didn’t know about the pub. Thanks for sharing
What are you talking about, “Victoria Cross Pub?” There is no pub in L’pool with that name.
Troll missus . it was on Victoria street on the corner opposite the met quarter . Thanks for making this, I remember our heroes 👍
A hero of heroes in a war of heroes. Incredible man, amazing legacy.
Thanks for watching
The real VC heroes are the ones whose actions helped the immediate battle situation like my late friend Edward Cooper VC KRRC who cleared a machine gun blockhouse at Langermarke in 1917 thus helping the advance to proceed.
What a man, like so many who paid the ultimate price that we should be where we are today. A real hero. So much can be learnt from this amazing story of selfless sacrifice for others.
Thanks for sharing those words.
This story is totally humbling. We must never forget.
Thanks for sharing that sentiment
Although I served, I had never heard of this officer, until my son joined the army and was in Chavesse training company at Pirbright. I looked up his incredible history. on the way back to Calais I took a slight detour to see his grave. His grave is the same as all the others, except it has the two VCs, he is buried with his comrades.
Adrian, thanks for sharing.
I served as an officer in the Liverpool Scottish and once his VC and bar were brought out from the bank vault and I had the honour of being given it to hold. A very humbling moment.
I bet it was very humbling. Thanks for sharing.
Another excellent video Chris. I suspect Noel's athletic performance was impeded by the drag caused by his enormous balls. A legend of a man and rightly revered by the RAMC to this day. A video on the VADs?
Yes please!
Glad you enjoyed. Lots of votes for the VAD so I will work on it.
@Barry Alexander. My great aunt Christina was engaged to a medic in WW1, and was a nurse in a hospital in Cardiff. He was killed at the battle if Ypres so she volunteered to go to a field hospital in France. A German shell made a direct hit on the hospital and they never found her body.
Yes to the VAD. In fact , yes to everything. Thanks, Chris.
Rob, thanks for your vote.
Hi Rob how are you doing today? I wish you a nice Sunday 😊
Having grown up and lived in the city all my life and being a avid enjoyer of military history I never once thought of the reasoning regarding the parks name. Brilliant video, thank you.
Like you, I knew the name around the city but had never investigated the story…until now.
May I ask why?
☝An M.C. is big. Winning a V.C. is very, very big, a bar for V.C. is absolutely unique, winning them by saving lives is astronomical. God bless him ! I'm already looking forward to VAD's story. A pleasure to hear you lecture. Thanks for your ensuciasm Chris.👍👍👍
Jan, thank you for your kind words
Winning a double VC is not unique as two other people have also won the VC twice. An MC was not that big, thousands were awarded in WW1.
@@anthonyeaton5153
So you don't think 3 out of 1358, 2.2 per thousand is unique. Then what about MC and 2 bar and VC posthumously?
@@janlindtner305Unique means the only one if it’s kind, therefore Chavasse’s double VC is not unique.
@@anthonyeaton5153 According to the dictionary, you are of course right. You are of course also a terribly noisy example of a wordsmith Noel Chavasse is the only one who has been awarded the VC twice for saving human lives. You don't need to answer this as you and your ilk are not worth wasting any more time on. Sincerely, Jan Lindtner.
While I was at Liverpool University I came across his bust in Liverpool Cathedral. This inspired me to research him and read a few books about his life and heroics, he truly is one of my heroes in life
Thank you for sharing
Thanks Chris for sharing this fascinating piece of history, a worthy story of absolute courage and duty. What a family. I had the privilege of seeing Noels and his other familie members medals in the VC gallery at the IWM a few years ago. Thanks again for sharing.
My pleasure.
Christopher also played Rugby League for St Helens, became the Bishop of Rochester In Kent in 1940, he is proudly remembered in the cathedral and in the bishops house, where a large picture of him hangs on the stairwell
His Son, Named after his uncle Noel, alsoserved as an aide to Montgomery during WW2
*Edit you beat me to it 😂
Ha ha, I’m super fast 😇
What a wonderful story, I had no idea about this man! He should be much better known thank you for covering him
Thank you for your kind comment
As a recipient of an MC many speak of courage and bravery....I can only describe my actions as..."its better to do something than nothing"..the words inscribed on a hip flask gifted to me by a comrade in arms.
Great comment. My grandad always said, he just acted because he thought his men would do the same for him (he was MID twice at Anzio)
VAD is a yes would be amazing to hear that. As always great presentation on a great person
VAD has had loads of votes. I will make a video about them.
Excellent video - it's quite humbling hearing about such a terrific man. Would be great to hear more from you about the other two men who have won the VC twice, Arthur Martin-Leake & Charles Upham I believe. Thanks Chris! (and yes to VAD too!)
Nick thanks for your kind comment. Upham and Martin-Leake are in the pipeline.
After the war my grandfather worked with Charles Upham at what was then Lincoln College a little south of Christchurch teaching him some farming skills....the model farm was called Ashley Dene..( spelling probably wrong...I have never seen it written ).
I read that Uphams wife was related to a doctor who was a VC bar
'Mark of the Lion' tells Charles Uphams story.
I was in Liverpool in 2018 and made it a target to visit as many Chavasse references as possible. The park was a problem because the info boards were hidden by vegetation. Nobody that I asked knew where they were and I walked that park flat until I found it. He was an amazing man, a true inspiration, and one of those rare people who go on to do great things. Who knows what he would have achieved had he survived. VAD Vid? Yes, and nurses during the wars too.
By making these videos, you make it possible that “they shall not be forgotten”.
Many thanks
No, thank you for watching.
I think that’s the most inspirational story of self sacrifice I have heard. What a wonderful man and family.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for another grand tale from History. A genuine Boy's Own Adventure this time around. The kind of stuff that inspired young boys to grow-up to fight and die for their country. As you summarised: "There is no greater love...". If only there were no need for War.
Tom, thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
Another brilliant story. I love the way you included his family to make him a real person. On the subject of WWI medical heroics, have you thought of doing something on FANY. The brave women of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry drove ambulances under fire and won 17 Military Medals while doing it.
I had not but thanks for the suggestion
Another excellent video Chris. And, yes, I'd love to hear about the VAD of both world wars.
Coming soon!
I was gobsmacked a few years ago when I discovered that these three had won the VC twice. Then is dawned on me that if you were courageous enough to win the VC, there was no reason why you would not continue to be courageous enough, and possibly win it again. But circumstances didn't allow that to happen often. My second observation relates to the fact that two of these three were medics. To win the VC, you need to perform acts of extreme bravery, IN THE FACE OF ENEMY FIRE. Without the enemy fire, the same bravery would earn you the George Cross. A member of the medical corps is highly likely to perform an act of supreme bravery, IN THE FACE OF ENEMY FIRE, without himself carrying a weapon or being able to fire back. That would make his bravery even more exceptional. That, I think, explains why two of these three very gallant gentlemen were doctors, and we ought to regard them with the reverence they deserve. Thank you for the 3 special videos.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment
I visited his grave many years ago, my inlaws served with 22 Field hospital. We were on a tour accompanied by welsh veterans and a choir, my in laws persuaded one of the belgian buglers from the Menin gate to play the last post at his grave, sang a couple of hymns and a few words from my father in law and laid a wreath.
Quite a man, thankyou
What a great story. Thank you so much for sharing.
Keep up the good work. I'm a 22 year served soldier. RASC. RCT Para.. Keep up the good work. Yorky Ashton. Rtd.
Thanks for your support. Please make sure you subscribe to my channel and also sign up for my weekly history newsletter at www.thehistorychap. com
Noel Chavasse is an example of bravery, duty, and devotion to country in its purest. Thank you Sir for the moving narrative for it has touch my heart. My grandfather was a veteran of that war. It is my hope that we should keep the memory of men like Captain Chavasse alive. God bless you and your future endeavours.
Glad you enjoyed it. There are so many stories to be told and I am on a mission to tell them.
@@TheHistoryChap A true and noble endeavour Sir. May it continues to be fruitful.
What an incredible story and what an incredible man was Noel Chavasse, even though he was seriously injured himself, his only thoughts were for the safety of his own Men. I am deeply moved by his selflessness and Bravery and not just on one occasion but time and time again did he display this selfless behaviour...thank you so much for sharing Noels story with us
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
I went to school with a girl who’s great uncle was the Noel Chavasse in this video. We went on a school trip to the battlefields in Belgium, it was quite an emotional experience for her to visit his grave, hopefully a proud moment also
Wow, that must have been an emotional trip.
That brought tears to my eyes
What an amazing Gentleman
Total Respect
Thank you for sharing this with us
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Chris that was an absolutely fascinating slice of history. What a fascinating and incredible man.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for this. I had tears in my eyes at the end. Greater Love......................
Glad you enjoyed it
A truly brave and dedicated man. Thank you for sharing his story..
My pleasure.
A great piece of history and patriotism from a bygone age. Thanks a lot.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for this inspiring video, Chris, and yes I look forward to your forthcoming production of a video about the VAD nurses. However, may I suggest that you consider producing one about the all-female FANY? This uniformed organisation, never legally part of the British armed forces, served alongside the British Army in two world wars and still exists today (see their web site). Many of its members being decorated for conspicuous gallantry.
I've never heard of this organisation before, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry to give it the full name. Thank you for pointing it out and well worth a video I'm sure
I have had several requests for both organisations so will add to my list for future talks.
Yes to the VAD video.
Thanks for your vote.
YES, please tell the story of the heroic ladies of the VAD! Very interesting tidbit about Agatha Christie being one of them. Well Done!
Thank you very much for this talk about this incredibly courageous man. I am ashamed to admit that I had never heard about him before.
Yes please to a talk about the VADs
Brenda, glad you enjoyed it.
Lots of votes for VAD's so it will be on the cards.
Excellent work - yet again. Many thanks, Chris.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Brilliant. I am always in the need for inspiration. Cheers!
Thank you! Cheers!
What an amazing story. And what a man indeed. Makes me proud to be English.
Thanks for watching.
Once again a first class video about and exceptional , and brave man. Most enjoyable. Thank you so very much.We here in the U.S.A.do not know of the incredible bravery of the members of the UK armed forces as well as we should. Many of the brave deeds of our own military are not taught in our schools .( and that's just sad beyond words)
Once again thank you for ALL of your videos.
Glad you are enjoying them. Loads more planned (152 on the list and counting!). Thanks for your support. Please make sure that you subscribe (if you haven't already).
I'm pleased to see you have taken up my suggestion and you are covering Captain Noel Chavasse. A remarkably brave man.
Interestingly of the three men who received the the VC twice two were doctors and only Chavasse won both in the same war.
My paternal grandfather served with the Royal Garrison Artillery at both the Somme and Passchendaele.
Glad you are pleased. Interesting point you make that Chavasse was the only one to win both of his VCs in the same war.
@@TheHistoryChap Didn't Charles Upham win both his in the Second World War?
Well done sir. Very moving story. Thank you for telling this mans outstanding history.
My pleasure.
Hi Kent how are you doing today? I wish you a nice Sunday 😊
@@mariarusso3790 Well thank you. A belated nice day to you!
@@cash14587 Thank you for your nice wishes I’m glad. It’s my pleasure to meet you Kent. I’m looking for someone to talk to and be friends if you don’t mind. I live in New York, how about you?
Waiting to hear from you again 😊
Excellent upload, thank you.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Thank you again for this amazing story I hope men like that are still made today.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
Quite a remarkable family and so sad that two brothers were lost. I first came across his name when I visited Liverpool Cathedral a few years ago.
Thank you for taking the time to comment
What a man . Great again Chris .
Glad yhou enjoyed it.
My great grandfather, Sir Robert Jones, worked with Noel Chavasse in Liverpool. They corresponded regularly throughout the war, Chavasse employing many of Jones’ treatment principles. He was devastated when he heard of Chavasse’s death.
Wow that’s amazing. Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
Hi , whot a story of a great man ! thank you for your hard work in putting this show together ! cheer`s Si 😃😃😃😃😃
Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it
V.A.D. video? Yes please! Thanks for this one too, good work.
Coming soon!
What a man! And beautifully explained, thank you very much!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Hi Albert how are you doing today? I wish you a nice Sunday 😊
Many years ago as a kid I was told that my great grandfather and the good captain were friends. My great grandfather was brought fresh socks and shirt each day, delivered by Capt. Chavasse. The only thing my great grandfather ever told me was that he was at Ypres and they pronounced it wipers. Your video was a must see for me as I knew nothing else about the Captain. You reinvigorate my desire to research not only my great grandfathers record but that of the rest of my family’s military history. Lest we forget, The Greatest Generation.
Alan, thanks for watching and I'm glad that you both enjoyed the video and that has reinvigorated your desire to conduct some more research.
I'm lucky enough to have held an actual VC in my hands - it belonged to Sgt Alfred Knight of the Post Office Rifles. It is now owned by the Post Office.
I've also in the past met a living VC holder Sir Tasker Watkins, whose statue stands outside the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wow, two special moments. Thanks for sharing.
I served and can tell you, more deeds are done than are ever told
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
They were our greatest generation & sadly will never be seen again.
Thanks for sharing.
No different to the generation that fought in WW2.
An absolutely amazing, and moving story
Thank you for taking the time to watch it.
What a truly courageous and compassionate man Noel Chavasse was, imagine being in those hellish battles fighting not only the Germans but horrific battle injuries, infection vermin and mud with really basic medical supplies, wonderful upload of a very brave man.
Nice words.
I love the fact that more people have received the VC for saving lives than for taking them
Interesting observation. Thanks for sharing it.
An excellent video and a fitting tribute to a brave man. 👍
Thank you for both watching and commenting
Incredible story, but it saddens me because there are so few men of such character with strong senses of duty and loyalty today. These are the stories our youths need, not Woke theory.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
Wonderful story thanks for sharing it
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for the story !
My pleasure. Please make sure that you subscribe to my channel here on UA-cam so you don’t miss future tales
Another great bit of history. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi how are you doing today? I wish you a nice Sunday 😊
I saw Chevasses' VC with bar at the imperial war museum, it was a very humbling experience.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for this magnificent story, we should never forget these brave men
Thanks for watching.
😮
That was Brilliant.
I love your work, I can be guaranteed that even if I know a subject well that you will unearth a nugget and enlighten me further,
for instance I attended Liverpool university between 1995 and 1998 my archaeology and ancient history rooms were around Abercrombie square and the amount of time I spent there reading up on Sulla & Marius and the Punic wars is only comparative to the time I spent in the Cambridge pub, a 2 minute walk away.
To know that now there is a statue of this inspiring man there is brilliant and to know that he also lived there is a surprise.
Thank you
"" H Chap ""
Love your work.
M.M
Thanks for watching & glad you enjoyed my video.
Thank you so much Chris, this story brought tears to my eyes. It is so important that we are made aware of these extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
My dad was one of millions who did their duty in WW2. He had a wife and three kids when he was drafted in 1944. He was an ordinary man. He said the only reason he went overseas was because he knew the Army would come after him if he went AWOL. He was wounded in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and was in a hospital in England during the Battle of the Bulge. He was so disappointed that he had to go back to the war in early 1945. WW2 was the defining moment of his life and he talked about the war constantly until his death in 1980. I listened to many, many war stories as he landed in France, marched to and through Belgium into Germany. His service in WW2 has also stayed with me throughout my life.
I bet he had some stories to tell.
Another excellent video, WW1 was a terrible loss of the most idealistic young men Britain had. Good idea about the VADs.
Thanks for watching & your feedback.
Incredible. Words fail me. Amazing individual, great family. Thank you for this, for without your video Noel Chavasse might still be a stranger to me.
Glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting.
I've walked past that last time I was in Liverpool, and never even knew there was a park up there (The tall steps didn't even have grass on as shown here, I'm sure of it) So I've learnt that, too. Thanks for another interesting subject!
My pleasure....actually think it is artificial grass on the steps but still a great public space in an industrial city.
A great tribute. FYI: One of my great-uncles was in the Liverpool Scots (King's Regiment) and died at Guillemont in 1916, where Chavasse was serving. His family had moved for work down to Liverpool from the Dumfries area in the early part of the century. He had previously been a reserve soldier in the Dumfries area and joined the King's Regiment in Liverpool with many other Scots who had moved south. As fate would have it, my great-uncle's brother was killed almost to the day a year later in 1917 (he was in a different regiment) and only a few days after Chavasse's death. He is buried in the same cemetery as Chavasse. The first great-uncle is officially only commemorated at the Thiepval monument. The Liverpool Scottish have a website where you can find many infos about the regiment history.
Wow, thanks so much for sharing your family story
I stopped by his grave West of Ypres one time when cycling in Belgium. A tiny but beautiful cemetery and a modest grave... with two VCs depicted on the gravestone
Thanks for sharing.
you dont win the VC
it's not a competition. you are awarded, as you later changed to. Great video
Thank you.
Great story- and great story-telling.
Thanks,, glad you enjoyed it.
Chris, that was excellent ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚕️Coming from an RAMC background I started my RAMC training in depot in Temple Troop. Chavasse Troop came before and Bradshaw after. Could you see your way to doing videos on all the RAMC VC winners, including the one that was awarded the VC and German Iron Cross !! ⚕️🇩🇪🇬🇧💂🏼♀️
I have heard about him. Franco Prussian war if I remember correctly.
@@TheHistoryChap That sounds about right. It’s a good few years since I passed out of the depot or looked in their small museum. ⚕️
My Great Great Uncle Joseph E Hobson (Worcestershire Regiment) was killed at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle 12th March 1915. I've visited his grave several times and tracked down and stood in the field where he was killed. Just an amazing sombre place to be - The Somme. Visited Capt Chavesse grave too. If you have never been to the Somme, go and witness the immense sacrifice so that we could be free... Never forgotten.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
A tribute that is both carefully researched and elegantly produced.
Many thanks
Very kind of you. I notice your surname too.
Thank you. Good man!
Glad you enjoyed it.
My late wife's great uncle, she was very fond of her great aunt May (one of the other twins in the family with Marlorie, both lived to celebrate their 100th birthday) and spent a lot of time with her talking about the family history, unfortunately, my wife's plans to write it up never came about.
Thanks for your comments
Great story of a great man and family. Thank you so much sir.
my pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Thank you Chris for this story of a man who did his job. and did it more than well I was a pupil (1974-1979) at Magdalen College School where he studied. I remember seeing his VCs and some of his uniform in the MCS library that used to be the school chapel. I feel very proud to have been a pupil at the same school. Also, please remember Captain John FOX RUSSELL, RAMC, 27/01/1893-06/11/1917.. RAMC, MC, VC. Who served in Egypt and Palestine. He also attended Magdalen College School, Oxford.
Russ, thanks for taking the time to share.
@@TheHistoryChap . Can I recommend to you a book By David Bebbington, titled "Mr Brownriggs boys". It is a book which tells the stories of 50 boys (pastor present at the time) who died during the Hreat War. It includes Captain Noel Chavasse and John Fox-Russell,
Thanks Chris, another well told and brilliant story, which I had never heard before, Cheers.
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.
I am from Liverpool and never knew any of this. Thanks for enlightening me about this incredible man.
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you! A very amazing and emotional biography. I strive to be a hero like these people's stories, such as Noel Chavasse. I may never achieve their legacy but I feel, in my heart, to try.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I’ve been to all 3 of these VC and Bar remarkable men’s graves. Arthur Martin Leeke in Hertfordshire. Charles Hazlitt Upham in Christchurch New Zealand and Noel Godfrey Chavasse in Brandhoek cemetery Ypres. What an honour I’ve had paying my respects to you 3 outstanding heroes.
Thank you so much for sharing. Charles Upham coming next week.
An amazing story and so important that it’s told. Thanks for another superb video
Glad you enjoyed it
A great video Chris. Would love to hear more stories about VC winners in the future.
Coming soon!
Bloody hell, what a guy and well done for giving the story the gravitas it deserves.
Very kind of you, thanks.
I've heard about this chap, Chris, thank you for honouring him
Glad you found it interesting. Thanks for your continued support.
Capt. Noel Chevasse was truly an accomplished, brave and selfless man who was a shining example to us all. He not only distinguished himself at Oxford with a First, and then a Medical Degree, he was an accomplished sportsman and took an interest in the OUOTC (Oxford University Officer's Training Corps). Noel could have led a safe life back in the UK but chose to serve in the Liverpool Scottish as an MO (medical Officer). He tirelessly petitioned for better medical treatment of injured men, sometimes being abrasive with his superiors over this. Noel chose to serve always in the front line rather than in the safety of hospitals miles behind the front lines. He was injured twice, the last seriously, and died in Aug 1917, almost 3 years to the day from when he joined up. Capt. Chevasse had the rare distinction of being 1 of 3 people awarded a double VC since the inception of this award for outstanding bravery. On his deathbed he asked a nurse to write a letter to his fiancée Gladys where he told her how much he loved her and regretted he had not married her due to the call to Duty.
Chris -- Yes please regarding a video on the well-to-do volunteer nurses of the VAD.
Thank you for such an in-depth and thoughtful post.
I will add your vote to the VAD video idea.
@@TheHistoryChap -- Chris, this was a really excellent video!
Great reminder of this extraordinary man and his family, knew of him from my time at Ash Vale with the RAMC
Thanks for sharing
Amazing, I have sat on those steps several times not realising, next outing is to Abercrombie square. Excellent post. Thanks so much.
I too have sat on those steps without previously realising the connection. Also had a mate who worked in Chavasse Chambers .
With the percentage of posthumous VCs higher than that of the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is amazing for someone to get two.
Thanks for making that point.
In WW1 More VC holders survived the action than died . In WW2 more VC holders died due to the action than survived.