Beeston, Leeds: The Unusual Victoria Cross

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Sergeant Laurence Calvert, a former pupil of Cockburn School in Leeds, was one of 25 men from Yorkshire to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War One. The majority of VCs were awarded to commissioned officers, most of whom attended private schools. Calvert’s award was unusual as he was both a non-commissioned officer (NCO) and a former state school pupil. On 15 November, The London Gazette stated that Laurence’s VC was awarded for: “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the success of the operation was rendered doubtful owing to severe enfilade machine-gun fire. His valour and determination in capturing single-handed two machine guns and killing the crews thereof enabled the ultimate objective to be won. His personal gallantry inspired all ranks.” He died in 1964 but his name lives on in his son, grandson and great-grand son who are all called Laurence. Location: Beeston, Leeds LS11 5TT Image: VC Laurence Calvert, courtesy of Cockburn School, Beeston, Leeds This story is told by the students of Cockburn School and the family of Laurence Calvert