Frank de Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank de Pass
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| Birth name | Frank Alexander de Pass |
| Born | 26 April 1887 Kensington, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 25 November 1914 (aged 27) Festubert, France |
| Buried |
Bethune Town Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1906–1914 † |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Horse Artillery 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frank Alexander de Pass (born April 26, 1887 – died November 25, 1914) was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage a soldier can get. This award is given to British and Commonwealth forces for extreme bravery. He was also the first Jewish person ever to receive this special award.
Contents
Frank de Pass: A True Hero
Growing Up
Frank de Pass was born in Kensington, England. His father was a London merchant named Sir Eliot de Pass. Frank went to Rugby School when he was younger. His family had lived in England since the 1660s.
Joining the Army
By the age of 27, Frank de Pass had become a Lieutenant in the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse. This was a unit in the British Indian Army. He served during World War I.
His Amazing Bravery
On November 24, 1914, Lieutenant de Pass showed incredible courage. He entered a German sap (a narrow trench dug towards the enemy) near Festubert, France. He destroyed a part of the trench called a traverse while the enemy was throwing bombs.
He also bravely rescued a wounded soldier. This soldier was lying out in the open, exposed to enemy bullets. Lieutenant de Pass went under heavy fire to bring him to safety.
The very next day, November 25, 1914, Lieutenant de Pass tried again to capture the sap. The enemy had taken it back. Sadly, he was killed during this second attempt.
Honoring a Hero
Because of his amazing bravery, Frank de Pass was given the Victoria Cross. This award was given to him after his death on February 18, 1915. This is called being "posthumously awarded." His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.
In 2014, 100 years after he died, Frank de Pass was honored with a special memorial. A paving stone was laid outside the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, London. His nephew and great-nephew attended the ceremony. Another Victoria Cross recipient, Sgt. Johnson Beharry, was also there.
See also
- Darwan Singh Negi
