Lieut Frank Bernard Wearne Birth - Mar. 1, 1894 Death - Jun. 28, 1917 World War I Victoria Cross recipient. Born in the Kensington section of London, he was one of three brothers who served; only one survived the war. Wearne served as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 3rd (attached to the 11th) Battalion, Essex Regiment, British Army. He was awarded his V.C. for actions during a raid on a German trench position known as “Nash Alley,” east of Loos, France. Wearne’s raiding party was to attack, capture and hold a section of the German line, taking prisoners for interrogation, destroying dugouts, and blowing up German tunnels which had been dug in the direction of the British lines. From his citation: “For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a small party on the left of a raid on the enemy's trenches. He gained his objective in the face of much opposition and by his magnificent example and daring was able to maintain this position for a considerable time, according to instructions. During this period 2nd Lt. Wearne and his small party were repeatedly counter-attacked. Grasping the fact that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, 2nd Lt. Wearne, at a moment when the enemy's attack was being heavily pressed and when matters were most critical, leapt on the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy off his guard and back in disorder. Whilst on the top of the trench 2nd Lt. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. Afterwards he remained in the trench directing operations, consolidating his position and encouraging all ranks. Just before the order to withdraw was given, this gallant officer was again severely hit for the second time, and while being carried away was mortally wounded. By his tenacity in remaining at his post though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit, he was enabled to hold on to the flank." Wearne’s original burial site was destroyed in later fighting; his remains were never recovered. His V.C. medal was auctioned at Sotheby's in 1977 for £7,000; its present whereabouts are unknown. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9978709
