John Scott Youll VC

D/Ph 150/63 Second Lieutenant John Scott Youll

Today, 15th June 2018, a ceremony takes place to unveil the commemorative paving stone in honour of John Scott Youll winning the Victoria Cross. Youll grew up in Thornley and went on to serve with the Northumberland Fusiliers. On 4 September 1918, he was presented with the medal by the King. A few days later, he was honoured by his own community. The Sunderland Echo of 11 September 1918, printed the following report. 

D/DW 1/3(30) The Hippodrome, Thornley, c.1910

Thornley’s VC Honoured

There was an enthusiastic gathering at the Hippodrome Theatre, Thornley, on Tuesday night, when Second Lieutenant John Scott Youll was publicly honoured is recognition of his having gained the Victoria Cross. The testimonial had been organised by the War Memorial and Welcome Home Committee, appointed some time ago to make arrangements and raise funds for a memorial to the fallen and for extending a welcome home to the fighting men at the conclusion of the war.

Second Lieutenant Youll, who is due to leave home immediately for the front, was born at Thornley on June 8th, 1897, his parents and grandparents being residents of the village. He attended the Thornley Council School until he was fifteen years of age, when he commenced work at Thornley Colliery in the electric-power station, serving his apprenticeship as an electrician. Later he attended the technical classes held under the Durham County Council at Wingate. As soon as he became nineteen he joined the Royal Engineers (Durham Territorials). After twelve months in England he served as a sapper in France for six months, being then recommended for a commission. He was gazetted in June 1917, and proceeded almost immediately to France. While there he experienced much hard fighting, being recommended for the Military Cross and mentioned in despatches for attending to wounded men during six hours of terrible shell fire. He was personally decorated by the King of Italy with the Italian Silver Medal and Star, which is understood to be the highest honour that the Italians can bestow on any soldier who is not of their nationality.

The testimonial, which was provided by a large number of small subscriptions, took the form of a handsome gold watch and chain and large silver cigarette case.

Mr JHB Forster, of Spennymoor, general manager of the Weardale Coal Co, presided at the presentation. Captain JE Rogerson, chairman of the Weardale Coal Co, handed over the gifts, and referred to the high honour that the gallant officer had brought to his native village.

Lieutenant Youll made a modest reply.

Mr D Hagen, treasurer of the Recognition Fund, and the VC’s old schoolmaster, referred with pride to the fact that he had been so closely associated with Lieutenant Youll in days gone by.

Mr JT Simpson of Thornley, chief engineer of the Weardale Coal Co, said he felt as proud as anyone, because Second Lieutenant Youll came to him in 1912 to serve his apprenticeship. 

A vote of thanks to Captain Rogerson and Mr Forester was moved by Mr W Laidler (chairman of the War Memorial and Welcome Home Fund), and seconded by Mr Orange.

A selection of scholars from the Thornley Council School sang ‘Blighty’ and ‘The Village Blacksmith’.