Born in Oxford in 1884, Chavasse attended both Liverpool College and Trinity College, studying medicine. He and his twin brother represented Britain in the 400-meter race at the 1908 Olympics. A year later, Chavasse joined the Oxford University Officer Training Corps Medical Unit, eventually rising to a position within the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1913.
When World War I erupted, Chavasse volunteered to serve in France, moving to the Western Front with the Liverpool Scottish Regiment. Like most World War I medics, his initial efforts were focused on battling trench foot, a dreadful condition caused by standing for prolonged periods of time in the damp, muddy battlefield trenches.
On August 9, 1916, at Guillemont, France, Chavasse bravely attended wounded soldiers in the field, courageously risking his life to approach enemy lines and rescue fallen comrades. All told, he saved 20 wounded men. His efforts earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross, which is given for valor in the face of the enemy. It's the highest medal for bravery in the United Kingdom.
Incredibly, Chavasse earned a second Victoria Cross in late July and early August of 1917 at Wieltje, Belgium. Determined to save his fellow soldiers, Chavasse ignored his own injuries to continue treating fallen soldiers and carrying them to safety. Only days later, Chavasse paid the ultimate price, dying of his wounds.
Chavasse is one of only three people to receive two Victoria Crosses. He's also honored with 16 separate war memorials across the U.K.
Labels: medics, war heroes, world wars
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