In May 2010, the VC and the MC and bar were purchased by Lord Ashcroft and are displayed at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum.
(meta data) TITLE: Bernard William Vann VC - Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection # Bernard William Vann VC #### Name: Bernard William Vann #### Conflict: First World War #### Gazetted: December 14, 1918 #### Service: Army ##### Bernard William Vann VC ##### Medal group Place/date of birth: Rushden, Northamptonshire/July 9, 1887 Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Acting Lieutenant Colonel Date of bravery: September 29, 1918 London Gazette citation: Capt. (A./Lt.-Col ) Bernard William Vann, M.C., late 1/8th Bn., attd. 1/6th Bn., Notts. & Derby. R. (T.F.). For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and fine leadership during the attack at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt on September 29th, 1918. He led his battalion with great skill across the Canal Du Nord through a very thick fog and under heavy fire from field and machine guns. On reaching the high ground above Bellenglise the whole attack was held up by fire of all descriptions from the front and right flank. Realising that everything depended on the advance going forward with the barrage, Col. Vann rushed up to the firing line and with the greatest gallantry led the line forward. By his prompt action and absolute contempt for danger the whole situation was changed, the men were encouraged and the line swept forward. Later, he rushed a field-gun single-handed and knocked out three of the detachment. The success of the day was in no small degree due to the splendid gallantry and fine leadership displayed by this officer. Lt.-Col. Vann, who had on all occasions set the highest example of valour, was killed near Ramicourt on 3rd October, 1918, when leading his battalion in attack. Click here to see full Gazette entry. Other decorations: MC & Bar Place/date of death: Ramicourt, Picardie, France/October 3, 1918 Grave/memorials: Bellicourt British Cemetery, Picardie, France Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2010 Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum
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Bernard Vann
Medals and legacy.
Vann's medals which, in addition to the VC and the MC & bar, included the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal remained in the family for many years.