Nelson Victor Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Victor Carter
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Carter's grave
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| Nickname(s) | Nelson |
| Born | 6 April 1887 Eastbourne, Sussex |
| Died | 30 June 1916 (aged 29) Richebourg l'Avoue, France |
| Buried |
Royal Irish Rifles Churchyard, Laventie, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914-1916 † |
| Rank | Company Sergeant Major |
| Unit | Royal Sussex Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Nelson Victor Carter was a very brave English soldier. He was born on April 6, 1887, and sadly passed away on June 30, 1916. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for courage in the British military. This medal is given to soldiers who show amazing bravery when facing the enemy.
Who Was Nelson Carter?
His Early Life
Nelson Victor Carter was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. His parents were Richard and Kathleen Carter. While some records say he was born on April 9, his birth certificate clearly shows his birthday was April 6, 1887.
A Heroic Act in World War I
Nelson Carter was 29 years old when he served in the British Army during World War I. He was a Company Sergeant Major in the 12th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. This means he was a senior non-commissioned officer, helping to lead a company of soldiers.
On June 30, 1916, Nelson Carter showed incredible bravery during a battle in France. He was leading a group of soldiers in an attack. Even though there was heavy machine gun fire and shells exploding all around, he pushed forward with a few men.
He managed to get into the enemy's second line of defense. There, he used bombs to cause a lot of damage to the enemy. When he and his men had to fall back to the enemy's first line, he bravely captured a machine gun. He even shot the enemy gunner with his own revolver.
After this, Nelson Carter risked his life to carry several wounded soldiers to safety. Sadly, while helping others, he was badly wounded himself and passed away just a few minutes later. His actions that day were truly magnificent and showed amazing courage.
Remembering a Hero
Nelson Victor Carter was buried in the Royal Irish Rifles Churchyard in Laventie, France. His grave is in Plot VI, Row C, Grave 17.
His special Victoria Cross medal can be seen at the Eastbourne Redoubt Museum in Eastbourne, East Sussex. There is also a blue plaque, which is a special sign, on the wall of his former home at 33 Greys Road in Eastbourne. This plaque helps people remember his bravery and sacrifice.
