Major John Edgar Grahame Vivian MC and Bar (28 October 1919 – 10 July 2015) was a British Army officer who won the Military Cross in Burma in 1944 and again in Malaya in 1956.

[1] Vivian entered the British Army in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry but was disappointed to be posted close to home.

Once battle had been joined Vivian was knocked over by a mortar shell and received wounds to his chest, stomach and arm.

He refused medical treatment and ordered his men to dig in and hold their position in the face of strengthening Japanese resistance.

[1] His actions saw him awarded the Military Cross, the citation for which read -[1] His actions throughout the operation were outstanding for resolution, leadership, conspicuous bravery and total disregard for his personal safety.After the battle Vivian was sent to military hospitals in Ranchi and Poona before being evacuated in 1945 to Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital in Exeter.

[1] Vivian accompanied a police officer on 28 September 1956 to one of three meetings with a terrorist informant as part of Operation Googly.

Along with two police officers he waited within 60 yards of a terrorist camp for eight hours before making a 40 minute march in darkness to get into position for their attack.

[1] The citation for the award stated -[3] For courage, determination and successful leadership during a number of actions against Communist terrorists in Malaya.

He constantly exposed himself to the greatest risks to ensure success.Vivian retired from the army in 1959, going to work for English China Clays in Cornwall.