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Captain F. O. Grenfell V. C. of the 9th Lancers
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Captain F. O. Grenfell V. C. of the 9th Lancers
Grenfell was 33 years old, and a Captain in the 9th (Queens Royal) Lancers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed during the Action of Elouges took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 24 August 1914 at Audregnies, Belgium, Captain Grenfell rode with the regiment in a charge against a large body of unbroken German infantry. The casualties were very heavy and the captain was left as the senior officer. He was rallying part of the regiment behind a railway embankment when he was twice hit and severely wounded. In spite of his injuries, however, when asked for help in saving the guns, by Major Ernest Wright Alexander of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, he and some volunteers, under a hail of bullets, helped to manhandle and push the guns out of range of enemy fire. The citation was gazetted on 16 September 1914 and read: Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell (1880-1915), recipient of the Victoria Cross. One of fifteen children, and twin brother of Riversdale Grenfell, also in the 9th Lancers who was killed in September 1914. He won his VC for gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Andregnies, Belgium, on 24th August 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day. He was killed in action on 24 May 1915 and is buried in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. The Tatler quotes the Daily Mail who describe his deed as such: A gallant deed was that of Captain F. O. Grenfell o fthe 9th Lancers. He was hit in both legs and had two fingers shot off at the same time. Almos as he received the wounds a couple of guns posted near were deprived of their servers, all f whom save one man were struck by bursting shrapnel. The horses for the guns had been placed under cover. We ll get the guns back, cried Captain Grenfell, and at the head of a number of his men and in spite of his wounds, he did manage to harness the guns up and get them away. H
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph captures the courage and determination of Captain Francis Octavius Grenfell VC, a 33-year-old officer in the 9th (Queens Royal) Lancers during the First World War. The image was taken after the Action of Elouges, on 24 August 1914, in Audregnies, Belgium. At this pivotal moment, Captain Grenfell led his regiment in a charge against a large body of unyielding German infantry, resulting in heavy casualties. With senior officers wounded or fallen, he rallied his men behind a railway embankment and was himself hit twice, severely wounding him. Despite his injuries, Captain Grenfell's spirit of selflessness and bravery did not falter. When asked for help in saving the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, from enemy fire, he and some volunteers bravely manhandled and pushed the guns out of harm's way, all under a hail of bullets. The Victoria Cross (VC) was awarded to Captain Grenfell for his gallantry in action against unbroken infantry and for his gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns. Tragically, he was killed in action on 24 May 1915, and is now buried in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Born as one of fifteen children, Captain Grenfell was the twin brother of Riversdale Grenfell, also in the 9th Lancers, who was killed in September 1914. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the First World War.
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