Alfred Smith (VC)
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Alfred Smith (1861–6 January 1932) 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.
He was about 24 years old, and a gunner in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, British Army during the Sudan when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 17 January 1885 at Abu Klea, Sudan, Gunner Smith saved a lieutenant who was being attacked by a native. The officer was superintending his gun at the time and had no weapon in his hand, but Gunner Smith warded off the thrust of the spear, giving the lieutenant time to draw his sword and bring the assailant to his knees. The latter, however, made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, but not before the lieutenant was wounded. Gunner Smith then managed to kill the native before he could attack again.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum (Woolwich, England).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (S.E. London)
