Nickname(s) Frank Rank Lance-Corporal | Service/branch British Army Allegiance United Kingdom Name Frank Jefferson | |
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Born 18 August 1921
Ulverston, Lancashire ( 1921-08-18 ) Died 4 September 1982(1982-09-04) (aged 61)
Bolton, Lancashire | ||
Years of service 1942-46, 1950-51 | ||
Francis Arthur Jefferson VC (18 August 1921 – 4 September 1982) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. It was awarded for his actions at the Battle of Monte Cassino during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War.
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Details
Jefferson was 22 years old, and a fusilier in the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 16 May 1944, during an attack on the Gustav Line, Monte Cassino, Italy, the leading company of Fusilier Jefferson's battalion had to dig in without protection. The enemy counter-attacked opening fire at short range, and Fusilier Jefferson on his own initiative seized a PIAT gun and, running forward under a hail of bullets, fired on the leading tank. It burst into flames and its crew were killed. The fusilier then reloaded and went towards the second tank which withdrew before he could get within range. By this time, British tanks had arrived and the enemy counter-attack was smashed.
Further information
Jefferson later achieved the rank of lance-corporal.
The medal
Jefferson's VC was stolen from his mother's home in 1982 and has not been recovered.