About St John Young
Lived 1921 – 1944 (aged 23). St John Young was a British military personnel.
Lieutenant St John Graham Young GC (16 June 1921 – 24 July 1944) was a decorated British Army officer of the Second World War.
He was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest British (and Commonwealth) award for bravery out of combat, for his heroism in rescuing his comrades from a minefield in Italy on 23 July 1944. He was serving with the Royal Tank Regiment, attached to the Central India Horse, part of the Indian Armoured Corps.
Notice of the award was published in the London Gazette on 20 July 1945. Young had been leading a night patrol on 23 July 1944, when he and his men found themselves in an enemy minefield. He received the full force of a mine explosion, severely injuring both legs. Despite his wounds, his encouragement enabled the majority of his men to reach safety. One of them, Sowar Ditto Ram, was also posthumously awarded the GC for his actions in the same incident.
Young was born in Esher in Surrey, He is buried in Arezzo War Cemetery.
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Important facts
People in St John Young's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was St John Young?
British recipient of the George Cross (1921–1944)
When was St John Young born?
St John Young was born on 16 June 1921 in Esher.
When did St John Young die?
St John Young died on 24 July 1944 in Italy.
What was St John Young's occupation?
St John Young was a military personnel.
What nationality was St John Young?
St John Young was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). St John Young. https://biography.guide/st-john-young/
MLA: "St John Young." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/st-john-young/.
Chicago: "St John Young." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/st-john-young/.
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