Captain Francis Grenfell, VC
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Captain Francis Grenfell, VC
Captain F. O. Grenfell V.C. of the 9th Lancers Details Grenfell was 33 years old, and a Captain in the 9th (Queens Royal) Lancers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed during the Action of Elouges took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 24 August 1914 at Audregnies, Belgium, Captain Grenfell rode with the regiment in a charge against a large body of unbroken German infantry. The casualties were very heavy and the captain was left as the senior officer. He was rallying part of the regiment behind a railway embankment when he was twice hit and severely wounded. In spite of his injuries, however, when asked for help in saving the guns, by Major Ernest Wright Alexander of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, he and some volunteers, under a hail of bullets, helped to manhandle and push the guns out of range of enemy fire. The citation was gazetted on 16 September 1914 and read: Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell (1880-1915), recipient of the Victoria Cross. One of fifteen children, and twin brother of Riversdale Grenfell, also in the 9th Lancers who was killed in September 1914. He won his VC for gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Andregnies, Belgium, on 24th August 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day. He was killed in action on 24 May 1915 and is buried in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. The Tatler quotes the Daily Mail who describe his deed as such: A gallant deed was that of Captain F. O. Grenfell o fthe 9th Lancers. He was hit in both legs and had two fingers shot off at the same time. Almos as he received the wounds a couple of guns posted near were deprived of their servers, all f whom save one man were struck by bursting shrapnel. The horses for the guns had been placed under cover. We ll get the guns back, cried Captain Grenfell, and at the head of a number of his men and in spite of his wounds, he did man
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Francis Grenfell Grenfells Guns Hero Heroism Horseback Lancers Mounted Saving Saviour
EDITORS COMMENTS
Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell VC: A Hero of the First World War This photograph captures the image of Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell, VC, a brave and gallant soldier of the British Army during World War I. At the age of 33, Grenfell served as a Captain in the esteemed 9th (Queens Royal) Lancers. On August 24, 1914, at Audregnies, Belgium, Grenfell distinguished himself with an act of valor that would earn him the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military decoration for valor in the face of the enemy. As the regiment charged against a large body of unyielding German infantry, Grenfell rode fearlessly alongside his comrades. The casualties were heavy, and Grenfell found himself as the senior surviving officer. Despite being severely wounded twice, he refused to abandon his post. Instead, he rallied his men behind a railway embankment. When Major Ernest Wright Alexander of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, called for assistance to save the guns from enemy fire, Grenfell, despite his injuries, led a group of volunteers to help manhandle and push the guns out of harm's way. This heroic act was crucial in preventing the loss of valuable artillery pieces. Grenfell's citation, gazetted on September 16, 1914, reads: "Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell, 1880-1915, recipient of the Victoria Cross. Born as one of fifteen children, and a twin brother of Riversdale Grenfell, also in the 9th Lancers who was killed in September 1914, Grenfell displayed gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Audregnies, Belgium, on August 24, 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day." Tragically, Grenfell was killed in action on May 24, 1915, and is buried in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. His selfless actions on the battlefield continue to be remembered as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who fought in the First World War.
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