The Tank Museum is launching an appeal to find a photograph of Lieutenant John Abell Vyvyan Churchill, who was awarded the Military Cross.
In December 1914, John Churchill put his job as a solicitor on hold and enlisted in the Royal Navy. He served aboard HMS Pembroke and later joined the Armoured Car Division of the Royal Navy Air Service. He eventually finished the war as a Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion Tank Corps.
At nearly 37 when he joined the tanks, John would have been older than some of his fellow crewmen who were typically in their 20s. His age, however, was no barrier to his performance in the heat of battle.
Military Cross Citation
‘On 8th August 1918 this officer handled his tank with great gallantry and skill. He showed great daring in the way he fought hostile machine guns and many times cleared the way for the infantry when they were unable to advance against heavy machine gun fire.
Suddenly encountering a hostile battery, he handled his tank so skilfully that he dispersed the personnel of it and enabled the guns to be captured by the infantry.
On August 9th, he again took his tank into action and engaged a battery of field guns at a range of 200 yds. This battery obtained direct hits upon his tank, wounding most of the crew; nevertheless this officer remained at his post and, with the help of his two unwounded men, continued to fight his tank. He set a splendid example of cheerfulness under most trying conditions.’
John Churchill resided in Bristol after the war and married Norah Garbutt in 1938. He died ten years later aged 67.
If you can help us tell John’s story, please contact archive@tankmuseum.org
