James Hutchinson (VC)

James Hutchinson VC (9 July 1895- 22 January 1972) was an English 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.

He was 20 years old, and a private in the 2/5th Battalion, 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.

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/devonshi.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Devonshire)"
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