Alfred Victor Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Victor Smith
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| Born | 22 July 1891 Guildford, Surrey, England |
| Died | 22 December 1915 (aged 24) Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Ottoman Turkey |
| Buried |
Twelve Tree Copse Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1915 † |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | East Lancashire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Croix de Guerre (France) |
| Other work | Police officer |
Alfred Victor Smith (born 22 July 1891 – died 22 December 1915) was a brave British soldier. He was known to his family as Victor. He earned the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth forces. He received it for an amazing act of self-sacrifice during World War I.
Early Life and Career
Alfred Victor Smith was born in Guildford, England. His father was a Police officer. Because of his father's job, Alfred's family moved several times. When he was a boy, Alfred sang in the choir at St Albans Cathedral.
When Alfred was 14, his father became the chief police officer in Burnley. The family moved there, and Alfred finished his schooling at Burnley Grammar School. After school, he joined the police force in Blackpool.
A Heroic Act
Alfred Victor Smith was a Second Lieutenant in the 1/5th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment. He was 24 years old when he showed incredible bravery during World War I. This happened on 22 December 1915, at Cape Helles in Gallipoli, which was part of the Ottoman Empire at the time.
He was about to throw a hand grenade. But it slipped from his hand and fell into the trench. Several other officers and soldiers were very close by. Alfred immediately shouted a warning to them. He quickly jumped away to safety himself.
Then, he saw that the other soldiers could not find cover. He knew the grenade would explode any second. So, he bravely went back and threw himself onto the grenade. The explosion killed him instantly. His amazing act of self-sacrifice saved the lives of many others. For this incredible bravery, he was given the Victoria Cross.
Legacy and Memorials
Alfred Victor Smith was also awarded the Croix de Guerre from France. He is buried in the Twelve Tree Copse Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in the Gallipoli peninsula. However, the exact spot of his grave in the cemetery is not known.
Alfred is remembered in several places. His name is on special plaques at the former Burnley Grammar School and St Catherine's Church, Burnley. He is also remembered at St Albans Cathedral and the main police station in Blackpool. In November 2015, a special stone was revealed in Guildford to remember him.
His Victoria Cross medal and other items are on display. You can see them at the Towneley Hall museum in Burnley.
