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Historical records matching Lieutenant Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wells, VC, DSO
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About Lieutenant Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wells, VC, DSO
Lieutenant Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wells, VC, DSO, 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment, killed in action 27/03/1918, Plot III. E. 12., Son of Arthur and Caroline Mary Collings-Wells, of Brand's House, Hughenden, High Wycombe, Bucks.
Citation: An extract from The London Gazette, dated 23rd April, 1918, records the following:-
"For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and handling of his battalion in very critical situations during a withdrawal. When the rearguard was almost surrounded and in great danger of being captured, Lieutenant Colonel Collings-Wells, realising the situation, called for volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy whilst the remainder of the rearguard withdrew, and with his small body of volunteers held them up for one and half hours until they had expended every round of ammunition. During this time he moved freely amongst his men guiding and encouraging them, and by his great courage undoubtedly saved the situation. On a subsequent occasion, when his battalion was ordered to carry out a counter-attack, he showed the greatest bravery. Knowing that his men were extrmeley tired after six days' fighting, he placed himself in front and led the attack, and even when twice wounded refused to leave them but continued to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at the moment of gaining their objective. The successful results of the operations were, without doubt, due to the undaunted courage exhibited by this officer."
Find a Grave Bio.
Lieutenant Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wellsserved as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 4th Bedfordshire Regiment, British Army. On March 27, 1918, during a withdrawal of his battalion at Albert France, Lieutenant Colonel Collings-Wells called for volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy while the main body of the battalion retreated. With his small body of volunteers he held off the advancing enemy for over one and a half hours. Later when his battalion was ordered to carry out a counter attack, he placed himself in front and led the attack and, even when twice wounded, refused to leave them. He continued to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at the moment of gaining their objective. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on April 24, 1918.
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Lieutenant Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wells, VC, DSO's Timeline
| 1880 |
July 19, 1880
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Manchester, Lancashire, England UK
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| 1918 |
March 27, 1918
Age 37
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