August 13: In search of Victoria Cross hero’s family

THIS year we are receiving a plaque from the Department for Communities and Local Government to commemorate 100 years since Sheffield-born Sergeant Major John Crawshaw Raynes was awarded the Victoria Cross for an act of outstanding heroism during the Battle of Loos in the First World War.

Sgt Maj Raynes joined the Royal Horse and Field Artillery in 1904 and then served with Leeds City Police from 1912, before enlisting in 1914. He returned to serve with the police after the war, but as a result of his injuries during the war, he was unable to continue his duties. He died in 1929 aged just 42, with an estimated 25,000-30,000 people turning out for the funeral in Leeds, such was the popularity of this brave man.

We would like to hear from any remaining members of his family to join the commemoration and unveiling of the plaque in October. Any members of his family or any of your readers who may know how they can be contacted should get in touch with Sheffield City Council on 0114 273 5621. I give below the award citation for the Victoria Cross:

“No. 36380. Sergeant-Major J C Raynes, (Royal Field Artillery). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 11th Oct 1915, at Fosse 7 de Bethune, his Battery was being heavily bombarded by armour-piercing and gas shells. On ‘Cease Fire’ being ordered Sergeant-Major (then Acting Sergeant) Raynes, went out under an intense shell fire to assist Sergeant Ayres, who was lying wounded forty yards away. He bandaged him and returned to his gun, when it was again ordered into action. A few minutes later ‘Cease Fire’ was again ordered owing to the intensity of the enemy fire, and Sergeant-Major Raynes, calling on two gunners to help him – both of whom were killed shortly afterwards – went out and carried Sergeant Ayres into a dug-out. A gas shell burst at the mouth of the dug-out, and Sergeant-Major Raynes, once more ran across the open, fetched his own smoke helmet, put it on Sergeant Ayres, and then, himself badly gassed, staggered back to serve his gun.

“On 12th Oct 1915, at Quality Street, a house was knocked down by a heavy shell, four men being buried in the house and four in the cellar. The first man rescued was Sergeant-Major Raynes, wounded in the head and leg, but he insisted on remaining under heavy shell fire to assist in the rescue of all the other men. Then, after having his wounds dressed, he reported himself immediately for duty with his Battery, which was again being heavily shelled.”

The citation appeared in a supplement to The London Gazette dated November 18, 1915. John was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on December 4, 1915.

Ill-judgement dogging NHS

From: Peter Hyde, Driffield.