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For the first part of 1918, Vann spent periods in hospital or on leave.{{sfn|Gliddon|2014|p=73}} In June 1918, Vann took over command of [[High Peak Rifles|1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters]]. On 29 September 1918, during the [[Battle of St Quentin Canal]], he led his battalion across the canal through thick fog and under heavy fire. He secured his troops' advance by rushing up to the firing line and leading the advance forward himself. Of his battalion, nearly 30 men were killed and over a hundred others were wounded in this engagement.{{sfn|Gliddon|2014|pp=69–70}} A few days later, on 3 October 1918, he was again leading his battalion, this time across the Beaurevoir-Bonsomme Line, near [[Ramicourt]], when he was [[killed in action]] by a [[sniper]].{{sfn|Gliddon|2014|pp=70–71}}
For his actions of 29 September 1918, he was awarded the [[Victoria Cross]] (VC).{{sfn|Gliddon|2014|pp=69–70}} The VC, instituted in 1856, was the highest award for valour that could be bestowed on a soldier of the [[British Empire]].{{sfn|Ashcroft|2007|pp=8–10}} The citation for his VC, the only one to be awarded to a cleric of the Church of England during the First World War,<ref name="BBC"/> read as follows:
{{Quote|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. On reaching the high ground above Bellenglise the whole attack was held up by fire of all descriptions from the front and right flank. Realising that everything depended on the advance going forward with the barrage, Col. Vann rushed up to the firing line and with the greatest gallantry led the line forward. By his prompt action and absolute contempt for danger the whole situation was changed, the men were encouraged and the line swept forward. Later, he rushed a field-gun single-handed and knocked out three of the detachment. 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.|[[The London Gazette]] No. 31067, 14 December 1918<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=31067|date=13 December 1918 |page=14774|supp=y }}</ref>}}
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