Sergeant William Bernard Traynor, VC

Sergeant William Bernard Traynor was born in in Hull, Yorkshire, on 31st December 1870.  After working as a labourer for a short period he took the Queen's shilling on 15th November 1888 and joined the West Yorkshire Regiment.

He was appointed Lance Corporal in 1896 and promoted to Corporal a year later in 1897.  Promoted again in 1899 to Sergeant. He served in India from 1891 to 1893 and was posted to South Africa between 1899 and 1901. Serving in South Africa during the Boer War. 

It was during the Boer War that William Traynor was awarded the Victoria Cross on 6th February 1901 during a surprise night attack on Bothwell Camp. His citation reads:

"During the night attack on Bothwell Camp on the 6th, February, 1901, Sergeant Traynor jumped out of a trench and ran out under an extremely heavy fire to the assistance of a wounded man. While running out he was severely wounded, and being unable to carry the man by himself he called for assistance. Lance-Corporal Lintott at once came to him and between them they carried the wounded soldier into shelter. After this, although severely wounded, Sergeant Traynor remained in command of his section, and was most cheerful, encouraging his men till the attack failed."

Lance Corporal Linott who went to Sgt Traynor's assistance received the Medal for Distinguished Conduct.  Most cheerful , a British understatement as William Traynor was hit by a shrapnel fragment in the chest and an bullet in the thigh.  So badly wounded that an initial telegram to his wife said that he had been killed in action. Fortunately he wasn't and lived to tell the tale. His wounds ending his active service.  His wounds also prevented William Traynor being awarded his VC by the King. Instead he was awarded the VC in York in 1902 by Colonel Edward Stephenson-Browne a fellow VC.

Retired from active service William Traynor's final posting in 1902, was to the Grand Shaft Barracks in Dover as a Orderly Room Clerk.  He joined Military Jubilee Lodge in February 1919.  Serving as master of the lodge in 1927 and remaining an active member for the rest of his life. William Traynor was the first member of Military Jubilee Lodge to receive promotion as a Grand Lodge Officer.  William Traynor was also a founding member of Snargate Lodge, 6770, in November 1946.

In addition to Freemasonry, William Traynor was a founding member of the British Legion after the close of the Great War. Helping create the Dover branch of the British Legion and serving as Vice Chairman for 10 years.  He was also an active member of the Whitfield Parish council and of the Royal Order of Anteluvian Buffaloes.  A charitable organisation similar to freemasonry. 

William Traynor had twin sons after receiving the VC. He named one Victor Charles and the other William Bothwell. Commemorating his award for valour. Victor Charles also became a member of Military Jubilee Lodge.  William Traynor died on 24th October 1954 at Buckland Hospital, Dover.  He is buried in Charlton Cemetery.  On the centenary of receiving his VC.  The ROAB renovated William Traynor's grave.

William Traynor's VC and other medals were sold at auction in 2013. They were purchased by Lord Ashcroft for £160,000 and are now part of the Ashcroft Trust.  They are on display in the Imperial War Museum 

Reference: http://www.vconline.org.uk/william-b-traynor-vc/4588360001