Job Henry Charles Drain

Job Henry Charles Drain
Born15 October 1895
Barking, Essex
Died26 July 1975 (aged 79)
Barking
Buried
Rippleside Cemetery, Barking
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service / branch British Army
Years of service1912–1919
RankSergeant
UnitRoyal Field Artillery
Battles / warsWorld War I
AwardsVictoria Cross

Job Henry Charles Drain VC (15 October 1895 – 26 July 1975) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Biography

Drain was born on 15 October 1895 in Barking, Essex. He was 18 years old, and a Driver in the 37th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

Victoria Cross

On 26 August 1914 at Le Cateau, France, when a captain (Douglas Reynolds) of the same battery was trying to recapture two guns, Driver Drain and another driver (Frederick Luke) volunteered to help and gave great assistance in the eventual saving of one of the guns. At the time they were under heavy artillery and infantry fire from the enemy who were only 100 yards (91 m) away.[1]

He later achieved the rank of Sergeant. He died on 26 July 1975, and is buried at Rippleside Cemetery, Barking.[2]

Memorials

Drain's statue in Barking

Drain was a resident of Barking, Essex. In autumn 2009, a statue of him was erected on Broadway, Barking. A blue heritage plaque was also erected at his last residence in Greatfields Road.

His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.[2]

References

  1. ^ "No. 28985". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 November 1914. p. 9957.
  2. ^ a b "Grave Location for Holders of the Victoria Cross in the County of Essex". victoriacross.org.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2024.

Bibliography