Alfred Kirke Ffrench

Alfred Kirke Ffrench was born at Meerut, India, on 25 February 1835, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ffrench of the 53rd Regiment of Foot. Educated privately and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, he entered the British Army by purchase as an ensign in the 53rd Regiment of Foot in 1854. He joined the regiment in India and was promoted to lieutenant on 21 October 1855.

Ffrench served throughout the Indian Mutiny campaign of 1857-59. His most notable action came during the Relief of Lucknow, when the 53rd Regiment took part in the assault on the Secundra Bagh on 16 November 1857. During the fighting, Ffrench was in command of the Grenadier Company and was among the first to enter the building. His conduct was highly praised by his company, and he was later elected by the officers of the regiment for the Victoria Cross under the ballot provisions of the original VC warrant.

His Victoria Cross was announced in the London Gazette on 24 December 1858. The citation stated that he had shown conspicuous bravery at the taking of the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, while in command of the Grenadier Company, being one of the first to enter the building. There is no clear record of a formal presentation, and it is likely that he received the medal while still serving in India.

After the Mutiny, Ffrench continued to serve with the 53rd Regiment. He was promoted to captain in 1863 and later served with the regiment in garrison postings, including Canada and Bermuda. While serving in Bermuda, his health failed, and he was granted leave to return to England in the hope that he might recover.

Sadly, his condition worsened, and he died in London on 28 December 1872, aged 37. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery. As a mark of respect, officers of his regiment wore black crape on the left arm following his death.

Ffrench never married. His Victoria Cross is held in the regimental collection at Shrewsbury Castle, now associated with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry / Soldiers of Shropshire Museum. The location of his Indian Mutiny Medal is not known.