John Henry Cound Brunt

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Henry Cound Brunt (VC, MC) (6 December 1922-10 December 1944) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

[edit] Details

He was 22 years old, and a Temporary Captain in the The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army, attached to 6th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 December 1944 near Faenza, Italy, the house around which Captain Brunt's platoon was dug in, was destroyed by intense mortar fire. The captain, rallying his remaining men and moving to an alternative position, continued to hold the enemy although heavily outnumbered. Personally firing a Bren gun he killed about 14 and then, his ammunition exhausted, he fired a PIAT and 2-inch mortar left by casualties. This aggressive defence enabled him to re-occupy his previous position and to get his wounded away. Later he showed similar aggressive and inspiring leadership which caused the final withdrawal of the enemy.

He was killed in action, near Faenza, Italy, on 10 December 1944.

After the war, the Kent Arms public house in Paddock Wood, Kent, was named the John Brunt, VC in his honour. The New Inn at Fowle Hall then took the name of the Kent Arms.