Alfred Shout

Alfred John Shout was a New Zealand-born soldier who served with distinction in the Australian Army during the First World War. He is best known as an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. His legendary actions took place during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

During the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915, Ottoman forces launched a fierce counterattack and seized a significant portion of the Australian front line. Shout organized a small party of men and charged down a trench while throwing bombs, personally killing eight enemy soldiers and clearing the position. Later that same day, he resolved to retake further ground alongside another officer under heavy fire.

In his final charge, Shout attempted to light and throw three bombs simultaneously. While he successfully threw the first two, the third detonated in his hand. He was severely wounded by the blast and succumbed to his injuries two days later, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice.