Brett Mackay Cloutman

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Photo submitted by Gerald Napier - (from the Royal Engineers Library with permission)

Brett Mackay Cloutman VC MC (November 7, 1891-August 15, 1971) was an English First World War 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.

Cloutman was commissioned into the Kent Fortress Royal Engineers. He was called to the Bar in 1926. From 1939 he served in World War II and in 1947 became Senior Chairman of the War Pensions Tribunals. He was a Senior Official Referee of the Supreme Court of Judicature 1954-63 he eventually became His Honour Lieutentant Colonel Sir Brett Cloutman VC MC

[edit] VC action

Acting Major Cloutman was 26 years old and commanding the 59th Field Company, Royal Engineers, when he won his VC. His citation reads:

On 6 November 1918, at Pont-sur-Sambre, France, Major Cloutman, after reconnoitring the river crossings, found the Quartes Bridge almost intact but prepared for demolition. Leaving his party under cover he went forward alone, swam across the river and having cut the 'leads' from the charges returned the same way, despite the fact that the bridge and all the approaches were swept by enemy shells and machine-gun fire. Although the bridge was blown up later in the day by other means, the abutments remained intact.

This was the last act to win a VC in the First World War.

Cloutman later achieved the rank of lieutenant-colonel. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham, Kent.