Noel Chavasse

[Kev]

LIVERPOOL'S most courageous son has been immortalised in a new book written by a former army chief.

Noel Chavasse, one of only three soldiers to be awarded two Victoria Crosses, stands out among distinguished fellow VC recipients because of his extraordinary decency and valour in the bloody battlefields of World War I.

The heroic tales of 15 Victoria Cross winners are told by former SAS soldier and Gulf War commander General Sir Peter de la Billiere, whose book is published on September 23.

A member of the Royal Army Medical Corps, Chavasse served at the battle of the Somme in 1916 where he carried a badly injured soldier 500 yards to safety while suffering from wounds himself.

It was that act of bravery which earned Chavasse his first Victoria Cross.

He won his second VC - although he told no-one in his battalion that he had been awarded the first - at Passchendaele.

Despite being hit twice in the head by shrapnel, Chavasse remained at his post, going out at night aided by a captured German medic to search for the badly wounded.

At 3am on August 2, 1917, he was seriously injured when a shell destroyed the dugout in which he was sheltering.

The medic, whose father wasa Bishop of Liverpool and twin brother Christopher was Bishop of Rochester, managed to get to battalion headquarters and was operated on that morning.

But his condition worsened and one of his final acts was to dictate a letter to his fiancee Gladys telling her that "duty called, and duty must be obeyed".

He died aged 33. His family's grief and anguish was tinged with pride by the news he would be awarded a bar to his Victoria Cross posthumously.

General de la Billiere said: "Noel Chavasse never killed anyone, nor did he even firea shot in anger.

"Altogether, he saved the lives of some 20 badly-wounded men, besides the ordinary cases, which passed through his hands.

"His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise."

Supreme Courage: Heroic Stories From 150 Years of the Victoria Cross is published by Little, Brown at £20

[Kev]

THE future of a statue commemorating one of Liverpool's bravest sons was looking bleak today.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/8/4/83A1F01C-011D-A4F9-0226FE81C26C7006.jpg

Campaigners hoping to create a lasting monument to double VC winner Noel Chavasse say they are still at least £65,000 shy of their £105,000 target.

An appeal was launched last November, with a pledge from developer the Windsor Group it would match-fund money raised.

The completed statue, by sculptor Tom Murphy, to be sited in city centre Abercromby Square would not just be a tribute to Chavasse - the only man a warded two Victoria Crosses during World War I - but a permanent memorial to all 15 Liverpool-born VC holders.

When the appeal was launched, it was hoped the statue would be unveiled at the start of this month, marking the 90th anniversary of the award of Captain Chavasse's first VC.

The predicted £105,000 cost should pay for the statue, with extra money needed for a plaque to the other VC winners.

But so far only around £40,000, including "significant" funding from the Windsor Group, has been raised.

Bill Sergeant, chairman of the Noel Chavasse VC Memorial Association, said: "We've had a full-size model made and waiting to be cast in bronze. But that means coming up with the rest of the money and we don't have it."

* Anyone who would like to donate should send a cheque payable to NCVCMA to 8, Tanet Drive, Liverpool, L18 6HL. To buy acopyof Liverpool Heroes, write to Don Allerston, 12 Wexford Avenue, Hale Village, L24 5RY. The cost is £7 plus £1.50 p&p.

[Kev]

A LIVERPOOL soldier awarded the Victoria Cross twice during the First World War is to be commemorated on a new stamp. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17793732%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=royal%2dmail%2dstamp%2dhonour%2dfor%2dv c%2dhero%2dchavasse-name_page.html)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg (http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg)

[scouserdave]

A LIVERPOOL soldier awarded the Victoria Cross twice during the First World War is to be commemorated on a new stamp. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17793732%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=royal%2dmail%2dstamp%2dhonour%2dfor%2dv c%2dhero%2dchavasse-name_page.html)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg (http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg)

This is excellent news. I can recall a heated discussion I had on SSC with a person who claimed Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC and Bar, MC, RAMC only received his double VC because he was "Posh". Have never taken this clown seriously since.:celb (6):

[A.D.Williams]

This is excellent news. I can recall a heated discussion I had on SSC with a person who claimed Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC and Bar, MC, RAMC only received his double VC because he was "Posh". Have never taken this clown seriously since.:celb (6):

Ha ha! I remember it well, squire!

:)

[scouserdave]

Dave, how are you?
Been on Ebay recently?

[shytalk]

scouserdave, I looked at your pictorial site, really enjoyed it.:)

[A.D.Williams]

Dave, how are you?
Been on Ebay recently?

I am fine and dandy. Not bought too much on e-bay of late.

Anyway hope you are keeping well yourself, Dave old bean.

:)

[scouserdave]

scouserdave, I looked at your pictorial site, really enjoyed it.:)
Thanks Shytalk. Just recently realised that I've had an online liverpool pic website for almost 12 years!

[scouserdave]

I am fine and dandy. Not bought too much on e-bay of late.

Anyway hope you are keeping well yourself, Dave old bean.

:)
Not too bad Dave.
Hadn't been to Liverpool in a while since visiting Sebo in Aug just after his op. Been in Hong Kong and Philippines for 5 weeks. On my first trip back to the Pool, I found by chance that there was a walkway running up to St Luke's Church. I was only there for about 3 minutes when I heard this voice saying "What are you doing here?". It was only Sebo who was out and about for the first time since his op! Neither one of us intended to visit St Luke's. His appointment was cancelled so he decided to pay a visit and I just happened to park up next to the church to buy a drink. Weird or what?!

[A.D.Williams]

Good to hear Sebo is up and about. Was shocked when I heard he was is hospital!

Anyway pleasure to see you using this fine forum.

:celb (23):

[Norm NZ]

A LIVERPOOL soldier awarded the Victoria Cross twice during the First World War is to be commemorated on a new stamp. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17793732%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=royal%2dmail%2dstamp%2dhonour%2dfor%2dv c%2dhero%2dchavasse-name_page.html)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg (http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/2/5/CF530A6B-A8F5-F247-ADB4CF7DFFE57401.jpg)

As a retired Ex Army Medic myself, it is good to hear that we still remember and appreciate the sacrifice's that people such as Capt Chavasse made.
I had the honour to attend the re-naming of the old Territorial Barracks in Wellington Road Wavertree back in the late 1950's, from Wellington Bks to Chavasse Bks., the ceremony was performed by a relative of Noal Chavasse, a Bishop of the Anglican church. The barracks at that time was occupied by a TA Medical Unit, 165(w) CCS: RAMC. I wonder if the barracks are still standing?

[A.D.W]

Just bought a book on e-bay called 'LIVERPOOL HEROES 16 HOLDERS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS'. The final cost was £11 and I'll give a quick review when I receive the book.

:)

[MissInformed]

Good to hear Sebo is up and about. Was shocked when I heard he was is hospital!



:celb (23):

sebo? as in tony sebo? did he used to work at ladt?

[PhilipG]

As a retired Ex Army Medic myself, it is good to hear that we still remember and appreciate the sacrifice's that people such as Capt Chavasse made.
I had the honour to attend the re-naming of the old Territorial Barracks in Wellington Road Wavertree back in the late 1950's, from Wellington Bks to Chavasse Bks., the ceremony was performed by a relative of Noal Chavasse, a Bishop of the Anglican church. The barracks at that time was occupied by a TA Medical Unit, 165(w) CCS: RAMC. I wonder if the barracks are still standing?

They are indeed.
These snaps were taken today.
It is now some kind of church.
It has a 1914 datestone, so it opened just in time for WW1.

[MissInformed]

great pics philip, as ever!

[PhilipG]

great pics philip, as ever!

Thank you.
My monitor is getting old, & my pics always look rather dark, so I'm not sure how they look to other people.
When I eventually get prints made, they look fine.
I do need an honest answer.
I can take it, honest. :)

[scouserdave]

Tom Murphy and Bill Sergeant at the County Sessions House. Tom gave a talk about his work and Bill discussed Chavasse and the funding of the monument.

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/sessions.jpg

[Norm NZ]

They are indeed.
These snaps were taken today.
It is now some kind of church.
It has a 1914 datestone, so it opened just in time for WW1.

Many Thanks to you Philip! photo's appreciated, good to see it's still in use, and reminds me of my 'younger self'!!:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Paul D]

sebo? as in tony sebo?

Yes his name is Tony but I don't know whether he worked there.



I forgot to mention that the Windsor Group have withdrawn all funding for the Chavasse Monument.

That's a sickener that,that's a blow isn't it?:disgust:

[cileuuelle medic]

As an ex RAMC medic I have visited the grave of this brave soul on a battlefield tour and feel honoured to have worn the same cap badge.

As a military medic I learnt of this as part of our Corp's history and it makes me proud that the people of Liverpool still remember.

To care for the sick and wounded needs much more courage than to kill and maim the enemy.
To die in the process is the ultimate sacrifice

IN ARDUIS FIDELIS

[Norm NZ]

As an ex RAMC medic I have visited the grave of this brave soul on a battlefield tour and feel honoured to have worn the same cap badge.

As a military medic I learnt of this as part of our Corp's history and it makes me proud that the people of Liverpool still remember.

To care for the sick and wounded needs much more courage than to kill and maim the enemy.
To die in the process is the ultimate sacrifice

IN ARDUIS FIDELIS

From one Ex RAMC Medic to another "Welcome to the site" I too stay proud to my old Corps, and remain "Faithful in Adversity". and remember well, the re-naming of the old Wellington Barracks, to 'Chavasse Bks' in remembrance of this great VC hero.

[Kev]

PLANS for a statue of double VC winner Noel Chavasse are facing ruin because of a lack of money. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=hero-statue-plan-faces-ruin%26method=full%26objectid=18933528%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)

[Kev]

THE 90th anniversary of the death of Liverpool war hero Noel Chavasse was marked at the weekend with the laying of wreaths at his former home and at the Anglican Cathedral. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/08/06/ceremony-marks-90-years-since-death-of-a-local-hero-64375-19576014/)

[wsteve55]

Surely, with all the new development around the city centre, a revamped "chavasse park" will look a little foolish, without a proper memorial to it's namesake! His heroic deeds must be more well known now, than they were for a long time,and I am sure many would contribute to this!:PDT10

[verdi]

Unfortunately none of the developers seem interested in donating to the monument. I think it is something like £25,000 short, nothing to the big fish?? I attended the wreath laying on Saturday, not many there, about thirty if that !! The second book of VC Heros from Liverpool is out it is £7.00 the same as the first!! so don't go on e-bay, I am reading it at present. Try Donald Allerson, 12 Wexford Avenue, Hale Village Merseyside L24 5RY for book One, or Two. Proceeds from the book go towards a memorial statue to all VC winners from Liverpool. There is a full length play on Noel Chavasse to be performed in November, date and venue to be announced. :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[phredd]

From another ex RAMC medic.
My local RBLC has a room called "The Chavasse Room" complete with bust.
I keep looking at Chavasse Park and hoping.

Cileuuelle Medic - Do I know you as Rabby.

In Aduis Fidelis

Phredd (1959 - 1981)

ps:- joy of joys, just been informed I am to be presented with the PJM on the 17th August. It was not expected.

[taffy]

Unfortunately none of the developers seem interested in donating to the monument. I think it is something like £25,000 short, nothing to the big fish?? :PDT_Xtremez_12:

Time for Liverpool to apply moral pressure on the Duke of Westminster I think.

Noel Chavasse is remembered on the war memorials at Liverpool Cricket Club, and at Liverpool College where he was a pupil for a few years.

[cileuuelle medic]

From another ex RAMC medic.
My local RBLC has a room called "The Chavasse Room" complete with bust.
I keep looking at Chavasse Park and hoping.

Cileuuelle Medic - Do I know you as Rabby.

In Aduis Fidelis

Phredd (1959 - 1981)

ps:- joy of joys, just been informed I am to be presented with the PJM on the 17th August. It was not expected.

Hi
No my name is Ian Boardman, had the nickname Stan whilst in, Person you are thinking of as Rabby ?? I take it he is ex RAMC is it Rab Aitken by any chance, jock living in Childwall ??
If it is then I have his mobile number with me.
Not been on here for ages.

Ian.

[phredd]

Hi Ian

Yep thats the man. I have his contact address so no problems. Yes he is ex RAMC.
Nice to meet up on here.

Phredd.

[Paul D]

City poised to unveil double VC hero statue
Aug 7 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

A STATUE commemorating Noel Chavasse, only British winner of the VC and bar, and all of Liverpool’s Victoria Cross recipients, is about to be unveiled.

After three years of fundraising, the statue, by city sculptor Tom Murphy, will be situated in Abercromby Square where the Chavasse family once lived.

The memorial, which depicts Captain Chavasse and a Liverpool Scottish stretcher bearer attending a wounded soldier, will be unveiled in the course of a drumhead service on Sunday, August 17.

The organisation behind the fundraising says it is still a few thousand pounds short of its £120,000 target, but hopes when people see the finished product the statue will speak for itself and the final sum will soon be found.

Bill Sergent, chairman of the Noel Chavasse Victoria Cross Memorial Association, said: “We couldn’t go on for ever, so the idea is that once it’s up people will appreciate it and we can finish the little way we still have to go.

“But we’re almost there and I’ll be pleased to see it up. It’s been a long time coming.

“Thanks to the support of a small number of local businesses, donations from regimental and other associations and, most importantly from numerous ordinary people, we are at long last in a position to afford these brave men the recognition and gratitude they so richly deserve.”

Sculptor Tom Murphy said it was “brilliant” that the project will be seeing the light of day.

The statue had been waiting so long for the money to cast it in bronze there was worry the mould would deteriorate and all work would be lost.

“Noel Chavasse is extremely highly regarded in the city, and it’s amazing how many people out there are interested in the sacrifices these people made all that time ago. There’s been a fantastic job fundraising and I’m lucky to be asked to do these jobs.”

The site is temporary and the hunt is still on for a permanent home.

Chavasse, and two of the city’s other VC recipients, were graduates of the institution.

The service, conducted jointly by the Rev John Williams, chaplain to the Forces, and the Very Rev Paul Chavasse, a descendant of Noel Chavasse, will be attended by a number of civic and military dignitaries and members of the families of several of the VC winners whose names will appear on the memorial.

There will be a military band and also the Pipes and Drums of the Liverpool Scottish Association, while the actual unveiling is scheduled to be performed by Lt Commander Ian Fraser VC and Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC.

Anybody wishing to attend is advised to arrive before 1pm for the 1.30pm service.



xx

[Spike]

Though born in Oxford, I think it is ok for him to be placed here as he lived in our city.

The statue to Noel Chavasse, a fine tribute to this brave man.

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelstatue.jpg

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelstatue1.jpg

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelstatue2.jpg

Sign and House of Noel Chavasse

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelhouse.jpg

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelhouse1.jpg

Bust of Noel Chavasse at Anglican Cathedral

http://h1.ripway.com/andalucia/yo/noelanglican.bmp

[lindylou]

Excellent. :handclap:

[Spike]

Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC and Bar, MC, RAMC (http://www.chavasse.u-net.com/chavasse.html)

A good informative site for details about Noel Chavasse.

[ItsaZappathing]

Fine words there Spike and excellent pics.
Well said and done:handclap:

[naked lilac]

Fine pics there of a very heroic man.. Very lovely area too, that the statue is placed.. Is that Oxford?

My first ever trip to Liverpool in 2002.. I sat and listen to Beatles Music in Chavesse Park.. Saw the Yellow Submarine there too.. It was a lovely place to have a sit under a tree on some lawn..Natter with friends, enjoy some food in the little vendors trucks.. Just a rememberance, that really was one of the best to remember.. I thoroughly agree with you, that they should of kept Noels Name alive, by keeping that New Liverpool I/II as Chavesse Malls...

Sad state when they just disregard what was there and place a new name Just to attrack people to shop...

Ta for remembering and sharing.. :snf (41):

[disco]

Don't worry the people of Liverpool will still call it Chavesse park, He wont be forgotten :handclap:

[Norm NZ]

"Certaily won't be forgotten"! Ex-Medics all over the world will allways remember this great VC hero. "Inarduis Fidellis" Forever.:handclap:

[A.D.W]

Fine pics there of a very heroic man.. Very lovely area too, that the statue is placed.. Is that Oxford?

That fine statue is located on Abercromby Square in Liverpool, Naked Lilac. Not far from Hope Street.

[taffy]

Fine pics there of a very heroic man.. Very lovely area too, that the statue is placed.. Is that Oxford?

Ta for remembering and sharing.. :snf (41):

It's Liverpool, Abercromby Square. Now owned by the University of Liverpool. Noel Chavasse lived at Bishop's Lodge, 19 Abercromby Square. His father was the second Bishop of Liverpool. Bishop's Lodge was originally built in 1863 for Charles Prioleau of South Carolina and Confederate States' Liverpool financial agent

[wsteve55]

Fine pics there of a very heroic man.. Very lovely area too, that the statue is placed.. Is that Oxford?

My first ever trip to Liverpool in 2002.. I sat and listen to Beatles Music in Chavesse Park.. Saw the Yellow Submarine there too.. It was a lovely place to have a sit under a tree on some lawn..Natter with friends, enjoy some food in the little vendors trucks.. Just a rememberance, that really was one of the best to remember.. I thoroughly agree with you, that they should of kept Noels Name alive, by keeping that New Liverpool I/II as Chavesse Malls...

Sad state when they just disregard what was there and place a new name Just to attrack people to shop...

Ta for remembering and sharing.. :snf (41):

The statue is in Liverpool,Abercromby square,in L8, though I'm not sure if this will be it's permanent home? There is some plan to commemorate Noel Chavasse, in Chavasse park, by the developer's, but again I'm not sure how! Great to see this memorial finally realised, all we need now, after our recent olympic successes, is one for that "scouse" superwoman, Lottie Dodd:handclap:

[Spike]

Nice Replies :PDT11

[Spike]

http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/scouser-hall-fame/69-noel-chavasse.html

Already another thread on Noel by Kev here, sorry Kev i missed that.

Well done you :PDT_Piratz_26:

[verdi]

Hi 55, I beleive the memorial to Noel in Chavasse park is the mosiac that was in Chavasse House in Lord St. Have not had a chance to visit new Park yet!:PDT_Xtremez_12:

[wsteve55]

Hi 55, I beleive the memorial to Noel in Chavasse park is the mosiac that was in Chavasse House in Lord St. Have not had a chance to visit new Park yet!:PDT_Xtremez_12:

Do you know where,exactly? :)

[Mark R]

I heard recently that the Chavasse memorial might me moved to the city centre (possibly Church Street). With a bit of luck they won't do that (can you imagine all the weekend revellers covering it with whatever??). Hopefully it will stay in Abercromby Square.

[taffy]

Intersting summary of Noel's life

Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC and Bar, MC, RAMC (http://www.chavasse.u-net.com/chavasse.html)