Chavasse Double VC

[Snapper]

First published in 1992, Ann Taylor's biography of Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar, MC; is a stunning book available as a new paperback version. Noel came from a remarkable family of doctors and clerics all of whom were either brave in battle or made a significant impact on the UK. His father, Frank, the Bishop of Liverpool founded the great Anglican cathedral in that city. His three brothers, another doctor, an infantry officer and a padre were all brave in battle. Chris and Bernard won the MC, (the latter missing out on a VC of his own) and youngest brother Aidan was KIA saving colleagues. The Chavasse sisters were war time nurses (one got an MID). But it is Noel who is outstanding. A brilliant sportsman and doctor, a pioneer of combat medical services and tireless in efforts to improve sanitation and health for front line troops, he spent the war with the Liverpool Scottish and having won his first VC at Guillemont close to Trones Wood in 1916 he went on to win the second posthumously at Passchendaele in 1917 even though he could have had a cushy job behind the lines. He is buried at Brandhoek and has a unique gravestone with two VCs engraved. The Chavasse family come out strongly from this book, it is remarkable how one small group of people could be so brave, dutiful and so devoted to their fellow man with strong faith and accompanying morals. Old fashioned, maybe, in this modern world; but we could do with a few more like them in this so called enlightened age. Noel Chavasse is an inspiration.