Alfred Wilcox VC

Name: Alfred Wilcox

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: November 15, 1918

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Aston, Birmingham/December 16, 1884

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Lance Corporal

Date of bravery: September 12, 1918

London Gazette citation:

No. 285242 L./Cpl. Alfred Wilcox, Oxf. & Bucks. L.I. (Birmingham).

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack when his company was held up by heavy and persistent machine-gun fire at close range.

On his own initiative, with four men he rushed ahead to the nearest enemy gun, bombed it, killed the gunner, and put the gun out of action. Being then attacked by an enemy bombing party, Cpl. Wilcox picked up enemy bombs and led his party against the next gun, finally capturing and destroying it.

Although left with only one man, he continued bombing and captured a third gun. He again bombed up the trench, captured a fourth gun, and then rejoined his platoon.

Cpl. Wilcox displayed in this series of successful individual enterprises exceptional valour, judgment, and initiative.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Small Heath, Birmingham/March 30, 1951

Grave/memorials: St Peter and St Paul Churchyard, Aston, Warwickshire

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Spink, London, 1999

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum