Name
Alfred Victor Smith (VC)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
22/12/1915
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Second Lieutenant
?
East Lancashire Regiment
5th Bn.
'D' Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Victoria Cross
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY
Sp. Mem. C. 358.
Turkey (including Gallipoli)
Headstone Inscription
SUNSET AND EVENING STAR AND ONE CLEAR CALL FOR ME
UK & Other Memorials
St Albans Citizens Memorial, Town Hall (old) Memorial, St Albans, Fleetville Memorial (Hatfield Rd Cemetery), St Albans (possibly)
Pre War
Son of William Henry and Louisa Smith, of The Chief Constable's Office, Town Hall, Burnley. Born at Guildford.
Address given as 25 Victoria Street, St Albans.
Wartime Service
An extract from the "London Gazette," dated 3rd March, 1916, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery. He was in the act of throwing a grenade when it slipped from his hand and fell to the bottom of the trench, close to several of our officers and men. He immediately shouted out a warning, and himself jumped clear and into safety, but seeing that the officers and men were unable to get into cover, and knowing well that the grenade was due to explode, he returned without any hesitation and flung himself down on it. He was instantly killed by the explosion. His magnificent act of self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved many lives."
Acknowledgments
Gareth Hughes
