Alexander Young (VC) facts for kids

Alexander Young was a very brave soldier born in Ireland. He lived from 1873 to 1916. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces.

Alexander Young was from a place called Oranmore in County Galway, Ireland. He joined the army in 1890, becoming part of a group called the Queen's Bays. He even worked as a riding instructor in India for a while. He fought in several important wars during his time as a soldier. These included the Mahdist War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War.

His Victoria Cross Story

Alexander Young was 28 years old when he earned his Victoria Cross. At this time, he was a sergeant-major in the Cape Police during the Second Boer War. This special award was given to him for an incredibly brave act.

Towards the close of the action at Ruiter's Kraal on the 13th August, 1901, Sergeant-Major Young, with a handful of men, rushed some kopjes which were being; held by Commandant Erasmus and about 20 Boers. On reaching these kopjes the enemy were seen galloping back to another kopje held by the Boers. Sergeant-Major Young then galloped on some 50 yards ahead of his party and closing with the enemy shot one of them and captured Commandant Erasmus, the latter firing at him three times at point blank range before being taken prisoner.

This happened during a battle at a place called Ruiter's Kraal on August 13, 1901. Sergeant-Major Young, with only a few men, bravely charged towards some small hills. These hills were being defended by a leader named Commandant Erasmus and about 20 enemy soldiers.

When they reached the hills, the enemy soldiers started riding away to another hill. Sergeant-Major Young didn't hesitate. He galloped ahead of his own group, about 50 yards in front. He caught up to the enemy, shot one of them, and then captured Commandant Erasmus. Even though Commandant Erasmus shot at him three times from very close range, Young still managed to capture him. This incredibly brave action showed his amazing courage and skill.

Fighting in the First World War

Later in his life, Alexander Young served as a lieutenant in the South African Scottish Regiment during the First World War. Sadly, he was killed in action on October 19, 1916. This happened during a very big battle known as the Battle of the Somme in France. His name is remembered on a list of soldiers who died in the war, which can be found in St. Nicholas's church in Galway, Ireland.

His Special Medal

Alexander Young's Victoria Cross medal is now part of a special collection. It is held in Lord Ashcroft's VC collection, where many other Victoria Cross medals are kept.