Also an ordained priest, he was the only cleric of the Church of England to be awarded the VC in the First World War for his actions as a combatant.

[2] Vann was a keen footballer who played for amateur teams at Hugglescote United, Irthlingborough, and Northampton Town.

[12] Vann further distinguished himself in fighting at Hooge in late July to early August, assisting another officer in holding the line and leading patrols to the German trenches, gathering intelligence.

He led a daring raid against the enemy's trenches, himself taking five prisoners and displaying great courage and determination.

On 27 December 1917, at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, he married Doris Victoria Strange-Beck, a Canadian nurse working at a hospital in England.

[19] The citation for his VC, the only one of the First World War to be awarded to a cleric of the Church of England performing a combat role,[20] read as follows: For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and fine leadership during the attack at Bellenglise and Lehaucourt, on September 29th, 1918.

He led his battalion with great skill across the Canal de Saint-Quentin through a very thick fog and under heavy fire from field and machine guns.

By his prompt action and absolute contempt for danger the whole situation was changed, the men were encouraged and the line swept forward.

The success of the day was in no small degree due to the splendid gallantry and fine leadership displayed by this officer.

Lt. Col. Vann, who had on all occasions set the highest example of valour, was killed near Ramicourt on 3rd October, 1918, when leading his battalion in attack.He was survived by his wife, who was pregnant with their son.

[2] Vann was initially buried near where he was killed but in 1920, his remains were moved to Bellicourt British Cemetery in Aisne, France.

At Coates, Gloucestershire, where his family moved after the death of his father, he is listed on the roll of honour at St Matthew's Church and on the village war memorial.

[27] On 8 November 2014, a plaque honouring Vann and five other Derby County players killed during the First World War was unveiled outside the club's Pride Park Stadium.