Vivian Davenport


Vivian Hugh Stuart Davenport & Bar was a British Army soldier of the First World War. He was one of a very small number of soldiers to be twice awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry.

Early life

Davenport was the son of Lieutenant Vivian Davenport, who served with the 26th Regiment of Foot. He was educated at Bloxham School, Oxfordshire.

Military service

At age 23, Davenport joined the 2nd Battalion, The Border Regiment, serving in Africa, India and Flanders. He was first awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 1 April 1915, while serving as company sergeant major. His citation read:
He was awarded a Bar to his DCM several months later, on 13 August 1915:
He was also awarded the Military Cross in the 1915 Birthday Honours. Davenport was invested as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1923 New Year Honours.