Buried at Woking Crematorium Role Armed force officer Unit Royal Army Service Corps Name Alfred Herring Rank Major | Battles/wars World War I Service/branch British Army Allegiance United Kingdom Battles and wars World War I Awards Victoria Cross | |
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Died August 10, 1966, Weybridge, United Kingdom | ||
Major Alfred Cecil Herring (26 October 1888 – 10 August 1966) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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Early life
Alfred Cecil Herring was educated at Tottenham County School where he was captain of the school at cricket and football.
Details
He was 29 years old, and a temporary second lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps, British Army, attached to 6th (S) Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 23/24 March 1918 at Montagne Bridge, France, the enemy had gained a position on the south bank of the canal and Second Lieutenant Herring's post was surrounded, but he immediately counter-attacked and recaptured the position, together with 20 prisoners and six machine-guns. During the night the post was continually attacked, but all attacks were beaten off, largely because Lieutenant Herring was frequently visiting his men and cheering them up. It was owing to his bravery and magnificent handling of his troops that the enemy advance was held up for 11 hours at a very critical period.
Further information
He was born in Tottenham, North London. He later achieved the rank of major. He was a Chartered Accountant by profession
In 2006, a new pub on Green Lanes, Palmers Green, in North London, run by the Wetherspoons chain, was named after him.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Camberley, Surrey.