| Frederick Corbett (alias: David Embleton) |
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|---|---|
| Birth name | David Embleton |
| Born | September 17, 1853 Maldon, Essex, England |
| Died | September 25, 1912 (aged 59) Maldon Union Workhouse, Maldon |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Unit | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Battles/wars | 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross (forfeited and re-listed) |
Frederick Corbett VC (17 September 1853 – 25 September 1912) 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.
Corbett was born on 17 September 1853 in Maldon, Essex. His name at birth was David Embleton.[1]
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Corbett was 28 years old, and a Private in the 3rd Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps, British Army during the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
The Citation in the London Gazette on 16th February 1883 read "During the reconnaissance upon, Kafr Dowar, Egypt, on the 5th August, 1882, the Mounted Infantry, with which Private Corbett was serving, came under a hot fire from the enemy and suffered some loss, including Lieutenant Howard Vyse, mortally wounded. This officer fell in the open, and there being then no time to move him, Private Corbett asked and obtained permission to remain by him, and though under a constant fire, he sat down and endeavoured to stop the bleeding of this officer's wounds, until the Mounted Infantry received orders to retire, when he rendered valuable assistance in carrying him off the field"
Corbett was one of eight men whose VCs were forfeited. He was stripped of the medal on 30 July 1884 after being convicted of embezzlement and theft from an officer.
He died in Maldon Union Workhouse on 25 September 1912.[2] He was buried in a unmarked grave in Maldon cemetery till 2004 when a regimental headstone was placed over the grave in a simple ceremony.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester, England.