Former student gave his life for a patient in World War 1

We are proud to share information about Captain John Brydon, a former student, who was a doctor with 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment . On 27th June 1917, in trenches near Bayencourt, north east of Amiens, tragedy struck. A German shell landed in the British lines bursting a supply of chlorine gas cylinders. The gas infiltrated the nearby aid station in which John was working. His duty being to the men in his care, he gave his gas mask to one of his patients, and in doing so gave his life for him.

The Royal Army Medical Corps’ (RAMC) motto is ‘In Arduis Fidelis’, accepted as meaning ‘Steadfast in Adversity’ – Captain Brydon epitomised the motto he wore on his cap. When war was declared Brydon volunteered, was commissioned into the RAMC and was in the front line by April 1915. He was severely wounded, losing an eye but, despite this, he sought a return to the army.

The Green Howards Museum have published a most interesting article about Captain Brydon which you can read in full HERE.

Thank you to Sean Godfrey, local Historian, who kindly forwarded information about Captain Brydon to us.