Alan Jerrard
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Flight Lieutenant Alan Jerrard (3 December 1897 - 14 May 1968) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born in Lewisham, he moved in 1902 with his family to Sutton Coldfield where his father was for 24 years headmaster of Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
He was 20 years old, and a lieutenant in the 66 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 30 March 1918 near Mansue, Italy, Lieutenant Jerrard, with two other officers on offensive patrol, shot down one of five enemy aircraft. Then flying at 50 ft. he attacked an aerodrome with some 19 machines either landing or attempting to take off. After destroying one of these he was attacked by more enemy aircraft but, seeing a brother-officer in difficulties, went to assist him, destroying a third enemy machine, then continued his attacks, only retreating, with five machines in pursuit, on the orders of the patrol leader. Even then he repeatedly turned to beat off the enemy until finally forced down.
He later achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum (Hendon, England).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Air VCs (P G Cooksley, 1999)
