Sgt John Hannah VC

Hannah VC

The first Victoria Cross to be gained during the second world war (1939-1945) was won on the 15th September 1940 by a member of the 237th Glasgow Co. Boys' Brigade. Sgt John Hannah was a wireless operator on a Hampden Bomber attacking enemy barges in Antwerp harbour.

His aircraft was badly damaged by enemy action, causing a serious fire to blaze through the bomb compartment situated just behind the pilot. Sergeant Hannah, although given the opportunity to escape, decided to remain and tackle the fire. He did so amidst exploding rounds of ammunition; the heat being so intense that some of the aluminium fabric of the plane melted. His success in tackling the blaze enabled his pilot to fly the battered plane safely back to base.

He was honoured by being given the Freedom of his home City of Glasgow and his adopted city of Leicester. Sadly however, he died in 1947 from tuberculosis, exacerbated by his war wounds.

In 2000, his brother Jim Hannah donated a trophy to the 237th in his memory. The Hannah Trophy will be presented annually for excellence on the Vaulting Horse.

At our Inspection in May 2001 Mr Jim Hannah presented this trophy to Sgt Ian Clark.

Sgt Ian Clark receiving the Hannah trophy
from Mr Jim Hannah. (May 2001)

Dr Gordon C Inglis
Officer-in-Charge (Company Section)