Wilfred St Aubyn Malleson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilfred St Aubyn Malleson
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Malleson (centre) with fellow midshipmen, George Drewry (right) and Greg Russell, on Imbros. Photo by Ernest Brooks.
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| Born | 17 September 1896 Kirkee, British India |
| Died | 21 July 1975 (aged 78) St Clement, Cornwall, England |
| Buried |
Penmount Crematorium, Truro
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit | SS River Clyde |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Wilfred St. Aubyn Malleson was a very brave British naval officer. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest and most important award for courage in battle. It is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
He was born on September 17, 1896, in Kirkee, India. His father was Major-General Sir Wilfrid Malleson. His mother was Ida Kathleen King.
Contents
A Young Hero in World War I
Wilfred Malleson was only 18 years old when he became a Midshipman in the Royal Navy. This was during the First World War. He showed incredible bravery during a major event called the Gallipoli Campaign.
The Gallipoli Landing
On April 25, 1915, a big landing took place at a place called V Beach. This was in Gallipoli, Turkey. Wilfred Malleson was on a ship called HMS River Clyde. His job was to help connect large boats called lighters to the shore.
Facing Danger
The soldiers and sailors faced very heavy gunfire from rifles and machine guns. It was extremely dangerous. Wilfred Malleson and three other brave men helped their commander, Edward Unwin. They worked to secure the lighters.
A Daring Swim
Another midshipman tried to get a rope from one lighter to another. But he was too tired and couldn't do it. That's when Midshipman Malleson decided to act. He swam with the rope himself. He managed to get it across!
The rope later broke. Wilfred Malleson tried two more times to swim with the rope. Even though he didn't succeed those times, his courage and determination were clear. He put himself in great danger to help his team.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Wilfred Malleson continued his service in the Royal Navy. He eventually reached the rank of commander. He lived a long life and passed away on July 21, 1975, in St Clement, Cornwall.
His Victoria Cross medal is a very important part of history. You can see it on display today. It is at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery inside the Imperial War Museum in London. It reminds everyone of his incredible bravery.
