CHAVASSE Noel Gordon

Awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.) and Bar, Military Cross (M.C.)

Mentioned in Despatches’

His brother, Aidan also fell.

DEATH OF VICTORIA CROSS HERO
“The deepest sympathy of the Bromsgrove community will go out to the Bishop of Liverpool and his wife, Mrs. Edith Jane Chavasse regarding the death, which occurred on 4 August 1917 as the result of wounds received in action, of their son, Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, (V.C.), (M.C.).Captain N.G. Chavasse is a twin son of the Rt. Rev. F.J. Chavasse, Bishop of Liverpool, a grandson of the late Sir Thomas Chavasse, F.R.C.S., of “Wylde Green House”, Sutton Coldfield, and a nephew of Lady Frances H. Chavasse, of “The Linthurst Hill”, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove. He was engaged to his cousin, Miss. Gladys Chavasse*, daughter of Lady Chavasse, and the marriage was to have taken place very shortly. Miss. Gladys Chavasse has done a great deal of work at Bromsgrove in connection with the Women’s Volunteer Reserve and other movements during the war, and her many friends here condole her with her in her great sorrow.”

Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse was the younger of the twin sons of the Bishop of Liverpool. He was born at Oxford on the 9 November 1884, twin with his brother, the Rev. Christopher Maude Chavasse, now serving as a Chaplain to the Forces. He began his education at Magdalen College School and when his father became Dr. Ryie’s successor at Liverpool went as a youth to Liverpool College. From there he went to Trinity College, Oxford, where he had a notable academic career, graduate with a first-class degree, and took his medical degree at Oxford and London. For two years before the war, he was at Liverpool Southern Hospital, where he served in turn as House Physician and House Surgeon. He joined the Liverpool Scottish as second medical officer.”
“It may truly be said of Captain Chavasse (remarks the “Liverpool Echo”) that he had a glorious career in the “Great War”. Few men inspired such wonderful affection for themselves amongst the ranks of their colleagues. Letters from the front told how constantly eager he was. He had often gone out, entirely unmindful of personal risks, on perilous errands of mercy. He seemed to enjoy a charmed life, and the members of his battalion almost regarded him as their mascot, and as one whose devotion to duty was beyond the highest words of praise. Early in 1916, it was announced that he had been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery at the big engagements at Hooge, in June 1915. The deed resembled the one for which he was awarded the greatest of all war honours, the Victoria Cross. This was to be followed by the posthumous announcement of a second award bar to the Victoria Cross.”
“The Bishop of Liverpool has also received news that his son, Captain F.B. Chavasse R.A.M.C. has been wounded, fortunately not seriously. A younger brother Lieutenant Aidan Chavasse, 17th Battalion Liverpool Regiment, was wounded in July 1917, and is believed to be a prisoner in the hands of the Germans. (Later reported to have been killed in action on the 4 July 1917).”

“Bromgrovians will have noted the name of Captain N.G. Chavasse on the Roll of Honour, displayed at St. John’s Parish Church, giving a list of relatives and friends of members of the congregation on war service.”

London Gazette, 26th October 1916, Page 10394:
Captain N.G. Chavasse, (M.C.) M.B., R.A.M.C., (T.F.):
GUILLEMONT (FRANCE) 9th AUGUST 1916
“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During an attack he attended the wounded in the open all day, under heavy fire, frequently in view of the enemy. During the ensuing night he searched for wounded on the ground in front of the enemy’s lines for four hours. Next day he took one stretcher-bearer to the advanced trenches, and under heavy shell fire carried an urgent case for 500 yards into safety, being wounded in the side by a shell splinter during the journey. The same night he took up a party of twenty volunteers, rescued three wounded men from a shell hole twenty-five yards from the enemy’s trench, buried the bodies of two officers, and collected many identity discs, although fired on by bombs and machine guns. Altogether he saved the lives of some twenty wounded men, besides the ordinary cases which passed through his hands. His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise.”

BAR TO THE VICTORIA CROSS
London Gazette, 14th September 1917, Page 9531:
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of a Bar to the Victoria Cross to Captain N.G. Chavasse (V.C.) (M.C.) late of the R.A.M.C. (Attached Liverpool Regiment.)
WIELTJE (BELGIUM) 31st JULY/2nd AUGUST 1917.
“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action. Though severely wounded early in the action, whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the dressing station, Captain Chavasse refused to leave his post, and for two days, not only continued to perform his duties, but in addition went out repeatedly under heavy fire to search for and attend the wounded who were lying out. During these searches, although practically without food during this period, worn with fatigue and faint with his wound, he assisted to carry in a number of wounded men, over heavy and difficult ground. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example, he was instrumental in rescuing many wounded men who would otherwise undoubtedly have succumbed under the bad weather conditions. This devoted and gallant officer subsequently died of his wounds.”
Note: * Miss Gladys Chavasse subsequently married the Rev. Ferguson Colquhoun (M.C.), Chaplain to the Forces, at The Parish Church, Crown Close, Bromsgrove, on Wednesday the 10th December 1919.

Extract from Women in the War Zone by Anne Powell:
Noel Chavasse was admitted to No 32 Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) at Brandhoek on 4th August 1917. The following was written by Sister K.E. Luard of the No 32 CCS on Thursday 2nd August 1917 at 11.45pm:
Yesterday morning Capt. C. [Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse], V.C, and Bar, DSO, MC, RAMC was brought in – badly hit in the tummy and arm and had been going about for two days with a scalp wound till he got this.  Half the regiment have been to see him – he is loved by everybody.  He was quickly X-rayed, operated on, shrapnel found, holes sewn up, salined and put to bed.  He is just on the borderland still; better this afternoon and perhaps going to do, but not so well tonight.  He tries hard to live, he was going to be married.

Sunday 5th August, 11.30pm. Captain C, died yesterday; four of us went to his funeral today; and a lot of MOs; two of them wheeled the stretcher and lowered him.  His horse was led in front and then the pipers and masses of kilted officers followed.  Our Padre with his one arm, Father E.H. [Eustace Hill], looked like a prophet towering over everybody and saying it all without book.  After the Blessing one piper came to the graveside (which was a large pit full of dead soldiers sewn up in canvas) and played a lament.  Then his Colonel [Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Davidson], who particularly loved him, stood and saluted him in his grave.  It was fine, but horribly choky.