Richard William Leslie Wain

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

WAIN, Richard William Leslie. (reg No. 1256).

Captain. 'A' Battalion. Tank Corps.

London Gazetted on 13th February 1918.

VC Medal is in private ownership..

Born on the 5th December, 1896 at Penarth, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Killed in action on 20th November 1917, Marcoing, France. Remembered on the Canbrai Memorial, France and in Llandaff Cathedral, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Digest of Citation reads: Near Canbrai, in France, at Marcoing on 20th November 1917, Captain Wain and another soldier were the only survivors, both seriously wounded after an attack. The tank, in which they both were, was severely disabled by a direct hit. They were near an enemy strong point which was holding up the attack. Although he was bleeding profusely, he refused medical attention and rushed from the rear of the tank armed with a Lewis gun. He successfully captured the enemy position, taking half of the enemy garrison as prisoners. Picking up a rifle, he continued to fire after the retreating enemy, in spite of the fact that his wounds are extremely serious. He continued firing until he was killed, by a sniper, with a shot to the head. It was owing to Captain Wain's extreme bravery that his comrades were able to advance.

Additional information:. Captain Richard Wain was the son of Mr Harry Swain of 4, The Avenue, Llandaff and his wife Florence Emily (née Tucker). Educated at Llandaff Cathedral School and also at St Bees College, Cumberland. He joined the Public School Corps of the Middlesex Regiment, being amongst the first to volunteer. On 16th July 1915 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment. 12th July 1916 promoted to Lieutenant and then to Acting Captain the following 12th November. On the 1st July 1916 he took part in the charge on the Somme of the Manchester Regiment where he was wounded.