Noel Chavasse Memorial at Abercromby Square.
University staff, students and members of the public are invited to Abercromby Square this Friday, 4 August for a service to commemorate Captain Noel Chavasse and 100 years since the Battle of Passchendaele in World War 1.
A doctor, sportsman and son of the Bishop of Liverpool, Captain Chavasse is the only person to have been awarded a Victoria Cross (VC) twice within the First World War. He was awarded both VCs for his bravery in attending to wounded soldiers – the second was awarded posthumously for his actions in braving heavy fire to treat wounded soldiers during the Battle of Passchendaele.
Captain Chavasse moved to Liverpool in 1900 when his father was appointed Bishop of Liverpool and the family became residents of the Bishop’s Palace, which was at 19 Abercromby Square.
After attending Liverpool College, Captain Chavasse studied medicine at the University of Oxford. He returned to Liverpool to continue his medical studies here at the University and took his first placement at the Royal Southern Hospital in Liverpool.
Friday’s service is being organised by the Liverpool Scottish Association and 208 Field Hospital Royal Army Medical Corps. The Liverpool Scottish Pipes and Drums will be attending as well as standard bearers and members of the public.
If you wish to attend, please arrive at the Chavasse memorial at Abercromby Square by 12.45pm. The service will begin at 1pm, exactly 100 years to the hour that Captain Chavasse died in 1917 during the first days of the Battle of Passchendaele.
On Tuesday, 29 August, a Centenary VC stone in honour of Captain Chavasse will be unveiled on Abercromby Square by the Bishop of Liverpool.
The great great niece of Captain Chavasse, paid a visit to his former family home at 19 Abercromby Square earlier this year. Read more here: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2017/02/01/noel-chavasse-relative-visits-familys-former-home-19-abercromby-square/.