Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The June issue of the magazine has four pages on the life and career of Second Lieutenant Frank Bernard Wearne VC, who was awarded his decoration for incredible bravery during the First World War.
Wearne, who was born in Kensington, west London, had his studies at Oxford University interrupted by the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. By the spring of the next year, he was serving as a second lieutenant in The Essex Regiment and he soon proved to be a skilled, courageous soldier.
His VC action took place on June 28 1917 during a raid on the enemy while Wearne was serving near Lens, France. The assault was initially a success but the Germans then repeatedly counter-attacked.
At a crucial point in the battle, Wearne leapt on to a trench and ran along it, firing and throwing bombs. Despite being severely wounded, he then refused to leave his men, directing operations instead. However, he was then hit a second time and this time his wounds proved fatal.
Wearne, who was not married, died aged 23. His body was never recovered but he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) which was presented to his father, who was also called Frank, by George V.
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past ten years have been largely based on excerpts from his seven books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II and Falklands War Heroes.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
For more information, visit:
LordAshcroftOnBravery.com
