Humphrey Firman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Humphrey Osbaldston Brooke Firman
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Firman when a sub-lieutenant
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| Born | 24 November 1886 South Kensington, London |
| Died | 24 April 1916 (aged 29) † Kut-el-Amara, Mesopotamia |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | SS Julnar |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Humphrey Osbaldston Brooke Firman was a brave English naval officer. He was born on November 24, 1886. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It can be given to British and Commonwealth forces.
Firman was killed during World War I in 1916. He was trying to help soldiers who were trapped. He was only 29 years old. His amazing courage earned him the Victoria Cross after his death.
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Who Was Humphrey Firman?
Humphrey Firman was born in South Kensington, London. His parents were Humphrey Brooke Firman and Florence Adelaide. He decided to join the Royal Navy when he was young. He became a cadet on May 15, 1901.
As a young officer, Firman served on several ships. He was on HMS Glory in China. He also served on battleships like HMS Albion and HMS Illustrious. He even worked on the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert. In 1908, he became a Lieutenant. He then served in the Persian Gulf and off the Horn of Africa.
A Hero in World War I
During World War I, Lieutenant Firman showed incredible bravery. He was part of a very important mission. This mission aimed to help British and Indian soldiers. These soldiers were trapped in a town called Kut-el-Amara in Mesopotamia. This event was known as the Siege of Kut.
The Mission to Kut
The soldiers in Kut were running out of food and supplies. Firman was chosen to lead a dangerous mission. He was in charge of a ship called the SS Julnar. His goal was to sail up the Tigris River. He needed to deliver supplies to the trapped soldiers. This was a very risky journey. The river was controlled by enemy forces.
Firman's Sacrifice
On the night of April 24, 1916, Firman led the Julnar up the river. They faced heavy enemy fire. Despite the danger, he kept going. Sadly, Lieutenant Firman was killed during this brave attempt. Another naval officer, Lieutenant Commander Charles Cowley, also died in this mission. Their courage helped show the world the bravery of the British forces.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for bravery. It is given for extreme courage in battle. Humphrey Firman was awarded the Victoria Cross after his death. This was to recognize his amazing bravery and sacrifice. He risked his life to try and save his fellow soldiers.
Remembering a Hero
Humphrey Firman is remembered in several places. In New Malden, Surrey, a plaque with his name was put on the war memorial in 2008. A street there, Firman Close, is also named after him.
Memorials and Medals
A special stone slab memorial for Firman is in the pavement. It is located outside South Kensington tube station in London. This memorial was unveiled on April 25, 2016. He is also remembered on the Basra Memorial in Iraq.
His Victoria Cross medal is kept safe. You can see it on display at the York Castle Museum.
