Commander Basil John Douglas Guy VC, DSO (9 May 1882 – 29 December 1956) was an English Royal Navy officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Basil John Douglas Guy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 9 May 1882 Bishop Auckland, County Durham |
| Died | 29 December 1956 (aged 74) Lambeth, London |
| Buried | St Michael's and All Angels Churchyard, Pirbright |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  Royal Navy |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit | HMS Barfleur |
| Battles / wars | Boxer Rebellion First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order |
Early life
editGuy was educated at Aysgarth School.[1]
Details
editHe was 18 years old, and a midshipman in the Royal Navy serving at HMS Barfleur during the Boxer Rebellion in China, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 13th July 1900, during the attack on Tientsin City, a very heavy cross-fire was brought to bear on the Naval Brigade, and there were several casualties. Among those who fell was an able seaman (name not quoted here), shot about 50 yards short of cover. Mr. Guy stopped with him, and, after seeing what the injury was, attempted to lift him up and carry him in, but was not strong enough, so after binding up the wound Mr. Guy ran to get assistance. In the meantime, the remainder of the company had passed in under cover, and the entire fire from the city wall was concentrated on Mr. Guy and the other man. Shortly after Mr. Guy had got in under cover the stretchers came up, and again Mr. Guy dashed out and assisted in placing the wounded man on the stretcher and carrying him in. The wounded man was however shot dead just as he was being carried into safety. During the whole time, a very heavy fire had been brought to bear upon Mr. Guy, and the ground around him was absolutely ploughed up.[2]
Guy was invested with the decoration by King Edward VII on 8 March 1902, during a royal visit to Devonport Royal Dockyard.[3]
After returning from China, he served on HMS Hannibal in the Channel Fleet. He was appointed action sub-lieutenant on 15 January 1902, and confirmed in this rank after a year.[4] On 31 December 1902 was posted to the destroyer HMS Zephyr, serving in home waters.[5]
Further information
editGuy later achieved the rank of commander having fought in the First World War. His VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum, London.
References
edit- ^ Winton, John (2016). "4: Twentieth Century Operations". The Victoria Cross at Sea (2 ed.). Barnsley: Pen & Sword. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-47387-612-5.
- ^ "No. 27262". The London Gazette. 1 January 1901. p. 3.
- ^ "Court Circular". The Times. No. 36711. London. 10 March 1902. p. 9.
- ^ "No. 27516". The London Gazette. 16 January 1903. p. 306.
- ^ "Naval & Military intelligence". The Times. No. 36957. London. 22 December 1902. p. 10.
Bibliography
edit- Whitworth, Alan (2015). VCs of the North: Cumbria, Durham & Northumberland. Pen and Sword Books. ISBN 978-1473848221.