Venning, John Wentworth

Date of birth:: May 19th, 1915 (Beddington/Surrey, Great Britain)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Servicenumber 102389.

Promotions:
?: Lance-Bombardier;
28th December 1939: 2nd Lieutenant.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: H Battery 11th Regiment Honourable Artillery Company
Awarded on:: November 12th, 1993

Citation:
"That Lieutenant J.W. Venning H.A.C. commanding H Battery of 11th Regiment Honourable Artillery Company, is a Commander of remarkable courage and leadership. Having received, on 16th March, 1942 from General Koening, Commander of the stronghold of Bir Hakeim, the mission to protect with his Battery a Jock Column of the 'Battaillon du Pacifique' did make the sacrifice of his life with that of his men to save the French column attacked by fifteen tanks.

Having destroyed five tanks and having fired his entire shell supply, he resisted with his revolver, until the moment of his death to defend his guns. He has commanded the admiration of all French Officers who witnessed his sacrifice."

Received with bronze palme.

1939-1945 Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

- Decision Number 74 of Le Ministre D'Etat, Ministre de la Defense, Paris, Novembre 12, 1993
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 13th February 1940, Issue 34791, dated 16th February 1940
- Service Record