Francis Octavius Grenfell

Wounded he led volunteers back under fire to rescue the guns

Francis Octavius Grenfell VC was born in Surrey in 1880, a twin with Riversdale. Educated at Eton, he entered the army in 1899 and served in the South African War before joining the 9th Lancers. A skilled linguist and horseman, he became a captain and regimental adjutant before the First World War.

On 24 August 1914, near Audregnies in Belgium, the 9th Lancers suffered heavily during the retreat from Mons. Grenfell kept men together despite wounds and the loss of his horse. Nearby, British field guns faced capture after their teams became casualties.

He called for volunteers and helped recover the guns of 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. The men hauled them across exposed ground under artillery and small-arms fire. Grenfell continued despite his injuries. The rescue earned him the Victoria Cross.

While he recovered in England, his twin brother was killed in France. Grenfell returned to his regiment, only to suffer another wound at Messines in October 1914. After further recovery, King George V presented his VC in February 1915.

He insisted on going back to the front. During the Second Battle of Ypres on 24 May 1915, he was killed at Hooge while encouraging his men and strengthening their position. He was 34. He is buried in Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. His medals were left to his regiment and include his South African and First World War campaign awards.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Andregnies, Belgium, on 24th August, 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day.

Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 13 November 1914. 16 November 1914, Numb. 28976,p. 9373. Repeated in The London Gazette of 17 November 1914, Numb. 28977, p. 9402