British Schools Museum to exhibit Hitchin hero’s Victoria Cross
Frank Young was one of two men in Hertfordshire to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War. Picture: Courtesy of Herts at War - Credit: Archant
The Victoria Cross belonging to Hitchin’s only recipient Frank Young will be exhibited in the town’s British Schools Museum for one month over the Armistice period, as we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Cousins Rick and Richard Young at the grave of their uncle Frank Young. Picture: Courtesy of Rick & Richard Young - Credit: Archant
Second Lieutenant Frank Young was one of only two men in the Hertfordshire Regiment to be awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest award for gallantry during the First World War.
Frank’s nephew Richard Young said: “We are over the moon that uncle Frank’s medals will be on public display for the first time in many years and very glad he is receiving the recognition he deserves.
“It is incredible that they have returned to his home town at this very poignant time, especially as it will be over the period of the end of centenary commemorations.”
Frank’s VC and campaign medals will be displayed in a specially created exhibition ‘Devotion to Duty – Frank Young VC’ from tomorrow until December 1 at the British Schools Museum in Queen Street.
Victoria Cross - Credit: Archant
Dan Hill, project manager for community-led commemoration project Herts at War, Herts at War, added: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that in partnership with the British Schools Museum, and with the full support of his family, Frank’s VC will be coming home to Hitchin.
“Frank’s story is an incredibly powerful and yet tragic one. “He joined the Hertfordshire Regiment as a 14-year-old Bugler in 1911 and went to war in January 1915, serving for several years on the Western front before being awarded commission to the officer ranks. “He earned the Victoria Cross for his bravery and devotion to duty outside the small village of Havrincourt in France on September 18 for single-handedly defending against a German counter-attack over a number of hours.
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“Tragically, Frank lost his life that day and would never learn that his bravery was to be recognised with the award of the VC.
“The work that the staff at the British Schools Museum team have put in throughout the year to bring Frank’s medals to Hitchin has been non-stop and we would encourage every resident of Hitchin and beyond to come and find out about one of their true local heroes.”
The exhibition will be open from 2pm to 4pm from Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm on Fridays and Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.
