William Bernard Traynor is the second of our Brothers who won the Victoria Cross in the Boer War. He was born on 31st December 1870, at 29 Moxon Street, Hull. His father, Francis Traynor, Born Hull 1839 was a Flax (hemp) Dresser from County Monaghan, Ireland, who became a Merchant Seaman. His Mother Rebecca, Born Hull 1843 was a native of Hull. He was the second of four children, his eldest Sister Mary was born in Hull 1869; Another Sister Ada was born in Hull 1878 and a Brother Robert, also born in Hull 1880. He was educated at Pryme Street (Roman Catholic) School in Hull.
Nine weeks before his eighteenth birthday, (November 4th 1888), he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion The West Yorkshire Regiment. He listed his next of kin as Francis Traynor, of Hull, and his religion was described as Roman Catholic.
Appointed Lance Corporal on 7th October 1896, he became a Corporal on 8th September 1897. On 16th September 1899, William Traynor became a Sergeant. He re-engaged at Aldershot a month later, to complete
his 21 years of service. He went to East India on 29th January 1891 until 21st April 1893, and to South Africa on 20th October 1899 to 9th March 1901. It was here that he gained his Victoria Cross.
For his services in this campaign Sergeant Traynor received the Victoria Cross, his citation published in the London Gazette on 17th September 1901 reads: “Bothwell Camp, South Africa, 6 February 1901, Sergeant William Bernard Traynor, 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment.
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”.
By a curious chance the Sergeant in charge of the next section to that of Sergeant Traynor was Sergeant Duell (late Garrison Sergeant Major) of the Suffolk Regiment (now Provincial Grand Secretary of South East Kent. They were staunch friends, and after leaving the Army settled down in Dover, where they both took a very active part in establishing the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes under the Grand Lodge of England in South East Kent”.
If you wish to read the full storyplease click on this link No34 Victory Cross Winners Vol 2