I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
- J.R.R. Tolkien
Colonel Graham Johnson of the Army Medical Services took his place among the thousands of other military personnel marching through London’s streets during King Charles’ coronation. Colonel Johnson carried with him an item of huge significance which had both a military and personal connection, the sword of Captain Noel Chavasse, one of only two British double VC winners and the only double VC recipient of the First World War.
Captain Noel Chavasse, qualified as a doctor and joined the RAMC when World War One broke out. In June 1915 he won a Military Cross after 12 hours rescuing casualties at Ypres. In August 1916 he was awarded his first VC for saving around 20 men while wounded at Guillemont On the Somme. His citation stated: “His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise.”
In July 1917, Chavasse saw action at the Battle of Passchendaele. With his men, he set up an advanced first-aid post in a captured German dugout. During heavy German shelling he was hit in the head, fracturing his skull. He received treatment for his injuries and later returned to his first-aid post, later sustaining two more head injuries.
On 2 August 1917, another shell blast resulted in a severe stomach wound which was so severe that Chavasse died on 4 August aged 32.
The citation for his second VC stated: “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 went out repeatedly under enemy fire to search for and deal with the wounded. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example, he was instrumental in rescuing many who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the severe weather conditions.”
