Alfred Carpenter
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Alfred Francis Blakeney Carpenter (September 17, 1881 - December 27, 1955) (VC, Croix de Guerre and Legion d'Honneur (France)) 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.
Born in Barnes, SW London, son of Commander Alfred Carpenter and grandson of Commander Charles Carpenter. He attended Bedales School founded by his Uncle Edward Carpenter's close friend John Haden Badley. He was married to Henrietta Maude Shadwell and after her death in 1923 to Hilda Margaret Chearnley-Smith.
He was 36 years old, and a captain in the Royal Navy during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Captain Carpenter was in command of HMS Vindictive, navigating mined waters and bringing the ship alongside the Mole in darkness. When Vindictive was within a few yards of the Mole, the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from batteries, machine-guns and rifles. Captain Carpenter supervised the landing from Vindictive on to the Mole, walking the decks, encouraging the men. His power of command, personal bearing and encouragement to those under him greatly contributed to the success of the operation.
Awarded by ballot. He later achieved the rank of Vice-Admiral.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum (London, England).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Naval VCs (Stephen Snelling, 2002)
