Augustus Willington Shelton Agar

One daring naval raid changed the course of the First World War and made Augustus Agar a legend. Commanding a tiny coastal motor boat deep inside a heavily defended Russian harbour, he struck a devastating blow against the Bolshevik fleet and earned the Victoria Cross for one of the Royal Navy's boldest exploits.

Some acts of courage rely on overwhelming strength. Others depend on daring, precision, and absolute determination. Captain Augustus Willington Shelton Agar VC, DSO, CMG embodied the latter. A fearless Royal Navy officer, he became one of Britain's most celebrated naval heroes through audacious operations during both World Wars and a lifetime of distinguished service at sea.

Born on 4 October 1890 in Kandy, Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), Agar was educated in England before joining the Royal Navy as a cadet. From an early stage in his career, he displayed exceptional initiative and leadership, qualities that would define his service during some of the twentieth century's most dangerous naval operations.

On 18 June 1919, during the British intervention in the Russian Civil War, Lieutenant Agar undertook the remarkable mission that earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British and Commonwealth honours system. Commanding the small Coastal Motor Boat 4 (CMB 4), he penetrated the heavily fortified naval base at Kronstadt, near Petrograd, under the cover of darkness. Despite intense enemy fire and the immense risk of capture or destruction, he successfully torpedoed the Russian cruiser Oleg before making a daring escape across hostile waters. His extraordinary courage, superb seamanship, and complete disregard for personal safety were recognised in the London Gazette, which published his official Victoria Cross citation.

Agar continued to distinguish himself throughout his naval career. His exceptional leadership during later operations earned him the Distinguished Service Order, while his outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy and the British Empire was recognised with his appointment as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). His First World War service was further recognised with the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. During the Second World War, he returned to active service and received the 1939–45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal 1939–1945, reflecting his continued commitment to Britain's war effort more than two decades after his famous exploit at Kronstadt.

Captain Augustus Willington Shelton Agar retired after a distinguished career that spanned both World Wars and some of the Royal Navy's most challenging operations. He later recorded his experiences in several memoirs, preserving firsthand accounts of the daring missions that made him famous. He passed away on 30 December 1968 at the age of 78. His Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George remain enduring symbols of exceptional courage, innovation, and leadership. More than a century after his famous raid on Kronstadt, Augustus Agar continues to be remembered as one of the Royal Navy's most audacious and accomplished fighting captains.