William Bernard Traynor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Bernard Traynor (31 December 1870 - 20 October 1956) was born at 29 Moxon Street, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England and was awarded a 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
At 30 years old, Traynor was a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own), British Army during the South African War (Boer War). On 6 February 1901 at Bothwell Camp, South Africa, during a night attack, he ran out of a trench, under extremely heavy fire, to help a wounded soldier. While running Traynor was wounded and, being unable to carry the man himself, called for assistance. A lance-corporal responded and between them they carried the wounded man into shelter. Afterward, in spite of his wounds, Traynor remained in command of his section, encouraging his men until the attack failed.
Traynor's Cross is held privately by his eldest son.
[edit] References
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)
