Alfred Oliver Pollard

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Alfred Oliver Pollard VC, MC & Bar, DCM (4 May 1893-5 December 1960) 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.

He was 23 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 29 April 1917 at Gavrelle, France, the troops of various units had become disorganized owing to the heavy casualties from shell fire and a subsequent determined attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and retirement. Second Lieutenant Pollard realized the seriousness of the situation and with only four men he started a counter-attack with bombs, pressing it home until he had broken the enemy attack and regained all that had been lost and much ground in addition. This officer's splendid example inspired courage into every man who saw him.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Honourable Artillery Company Museum (London, England).

His book Fire-Eater: the Memoirs of a VC recounts his experience of the war, from joining the HAC on the outbreak of war up to the armistice. It shows that he regarded the war much like a rugby season.