John Ripley

John Ripley VC (20 August 1867 – 14 August 1933) was a Scottish 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.

He was 47 years old, and a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), British Army during the First World War at the battle of Aubers Ridge when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 May 1915 at Rue du Bois, France, Corporal Ripley led his section on the right of the platoon in the assault and was the first man of the battalion to climb the enemy's parapet. From there he directed those following him to the gaps in the German wire entanglements. He then led his section through a breach in the parapet to a second line of trench. With seven or eight men he established himself, blocking other flanks, and continued to hold the position until all his men had fallen and he himself was badly wounded in the head.

He later achieved the rank of sergeant and died after falling off a ladder.