Noel Godfrey Chavasse
VC and Bar, MC
One of only three people in history to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice, Captain Chavasse's extraordinary courage and selflessness saved countless lives on the battlefields of the First World War.
Born
9 Nov 1884
Liverpool Connection
Bishop's Son
Honours
VC and Bar, MC
Died
4 Aug 1917
A Life of Service
From Olympic athlete to battlefield hero, the remarkable journey of Noel Godfrey Chavasse.
Born in Oxford
Noel Godfrey Chavasse was born on 9 November 1884 in Oxford, the twin son of Francis Chavasse, later Bishop of Liverpool.
Family Moves to Liverpool
The Chavasse family relocated to Liverpool when Francis Chavasse became the second Bishop of Liverpool, establishing deep roots in the city.
Medical Qualification
Chavasse qualified as a doctor at Trinity College, Oxford, and later completed his medical training at Liverpool.
Olympic Athlete
Represented Great Britain in the 400 metres at the 1908 London Olympics, demonstrating his athletic prowess.
Joined RAMC
Joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, beginning his military medical career that would define his legacy.
First Victoria Cross
Awarded the VC for exceptional bravery at Guillemont, where he rescued wounded soldiers under heavy fire over two days.
Bar to Victoria Cross
Awarded a Bar to his VC for further acts of outstanding gallantry at Wieltje, Belgium. Mortally wounded on 2 August 1917.
Death
Died of his wounds on 4 August 1917, aged 32. Buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Victoria Cross Citations
The official citations recording his acts of extraordinary valour.
Victoria Cross
9 August 1916 | Guillemont, France
"During an attack he tended 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."
Bar to Victoria Cross
31 July - 2 August 1917 | Wieltje, Belgium
"Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the Dressing Station, he 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 to 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 badly wounded men, over heavy and difficult ground. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example, he was instrumental in rescuing many wounded who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the bad weather conditions."
Liverpool Connections
Chavasse's life was deeply intertwined with Liverpool, a city that remembers him with pride.
Bishop's Palace
Grew up in Liverpool as the son of the Bishop of Liverpool, immersed in the city's civic and religious life.
Liverpool Medical Training
Completed part of his medical training in Liverpool, working at the Royal Southern Hospital.
Liverpool Scottish Regiment
Served as Medical Officer with the Liverpool Scottish, a territorial battalion with deep local ties.
Chavasse Park
A public park in Liverpool One shopping district is named in his honour, ensuring his memory endures in the city.
Explore Liverpool's Military Heritage
Discover more about Liverpool's contributions to national defence and the individuals who served with distinction.
The World Wars