Alfred Cecil Herring

With enemy machine guns cutting down the advance, Alfred Cecil Herring charged forward alone. His fearless assault silenced the enemy position and earned him the Victoria Cross, securing his place among Australia's greatest First World War heroes.

Some acts of courage last only a few moments, yet they inspire generations. Lieutenant Alfred Cecil Herring VC was one such hero. During the First World War, he displayed extraordinary bravery under relentless enemy fire, leading by example when the odds seemed impossible. His actions on the battlefield became a defining example of Australian courage and determination.

Born on 26 October 1892 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Herring worked as a schoolteacher before volunteering for service in the Australian Imperial Force after the outbreak of the First World War. He was commissioned into the 45th Battalion, where his leadership, confidence, and devotion to his men quickly earned their respect.

On 9 August 1918, during the Battle of Amiens near Le Hamel, France, Lieutenant Herring performed the extraordinary act of gallantry that earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour in the British and Commonwealth honours system. As his battalion advanced under intense machine-gun fire, Herring recognised that enemy positions threatened to halt the attack. Without hesitation, he rushed forward alone, attacking successive machine-gun posts with remarkable courage. His bold assault eliminated the enemy resistance, captured prisoners, and enabled his company to continue its advance. His outstanding leadership, complete disregard for personal safety, and determination under fire were recognised in the London Gazette, where his official Victoria Cross citation praised his conspicuous bravery during the action.

His wartime service was further recognised with the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, commemorating his contribution to the Allied victory in the First World War. In later years, his distinguished public service earned him the King George VI Coronation Medal in 1937 and the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal in 1953. After the war, Herring resumed his legal studies, became a successful barrister, and was later appointed as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria, building a distinguished career in the Australian legal system while remaining a respected member of the Victoria Cross community.

Alfred Cecil Herring passed away on 15 January 1969 at the age of 76. He was laid to rest at Springvale Botanical Cemetery in Melbourne, Victoria. His Victoria Cross remains a lasting symbol of exceptional courage, while his lifelong dedication to justice and public service demonstrated that true leadership extends far beyond the battlefield. Today, his legacy continues to inspire Australians as a powerful example of bravery, integrity, and unwavering devotion to duty.