Francis Arthur Jefferson
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Francis Arthur Jefferson VC was born in Ulverston, Lancashire on August 18, 1921 and died in Bolton on September 4, 1982, was a 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, which was awarded for his actions on during World War II.
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[edit] Details
Jefferson (Better known as Frank)was 22 years old, and a Fusilier in the 2nd Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On May 16, 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 P.I.A.T. gun and, running forward under a hail of bullets, fired on the leading tank. It burst into flames and all the crew were killed. The fusilier then reloaded and went towards the second tank which withdrew before he could get within range. By this time our own tanks had arrived and the enemy counter-attack was smashed.
[edit] Further information
Jefferson later achieved the rank of Lance-Corporal.
[edit] The medal
Jefferson's medal was stolen in 1982 and has not been recovered[1].
[edit] References
- Laffin, John. British VCs of World War 2, 1997.
- Harvey, David. Monuments to Courage, 1999.
- The Register of the Victoria Cross, This England, 1997.
