Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30215, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30215/supplements/7906. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Temporary Second Lieutenant Frederick Youens, late Durham Light Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 7th July 1917 near Hill 60, Belgium, while out on patrol this officer was wounded and had to return to his trenches to have his wound dressed. Shortly afterwards a report came in that the enemy were preparing to raid our trenches. Second Lieutenant Youens, regardless of his wound, immediately set out to rally the team of a Lewis Gun, which had become disorganised owing to heavy shell fire. During this process an enemy's bomb fell on the Lewis Gun position without exploding. Second Lieutenant Youens immediately picked it up and hurled it over the parapet. Shortly afterwards another bomb fell near the same place; again Second Lieutenant Youens picked it up with the intention of throwing it away, when it exploded in his hand, severely wounding him and also some of his men. There is little doubt that the prompt and gallant action of Second Lieutenant Youens saved several of his men's lives and that by his energy and resource the enemy's raid was completely repulsed. This gallant officer has since succumbed to his wounds.
Fold3_Team · 31/10/2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30215, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30215/supplements/7906. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Temporary Second Lieutenant Frederick Youens, late Durham Light Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 7th July 1917 near Hill 60, Belgium, while out on patrol this officer was wounded and had to return to his trenches to have his wound dressed. Shortly afterwards a report came in that the enemy were preparing to raid our trenches. Second Lieutenant Youens, regardless of his wound, immediately set out to rally the team of a Lewis Gun, which had become disorganised owing to heavy shell fire. During this process an enemy's bomb fell on the Lewis Gun position without exploding. Second Lieutenant Youens immediately picked it up and hurled it over the parapet. Shortly afterwards another bomb fell near the same place; again Second Lieutenant Youens picked it up with the intention of throwing it away, when it exploded in his hand, severely wounding him and also some of his men. There is little doubt that the prompt and gallant action of Second Lieutenant Youens saved several of his men's lives and that by his energy and resource the enemy's raid was completely repulsed. This gallant officer has since succumbed to his wounds.