Henry Hook (VC)

Alfred Henry "Harry" Hook VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for valour in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He served in the British Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant.

Hook is most famous for his heroic actions during the Battle of Rorke's Drift on 22–23 January 1879, where a small British garrison successfully defended a station against an intense assault by Zulu warriors. His conspicuous bravery during this engagement earned him the Empire's highest military decoration.

He received his Victoria Cross directly from Sir Garnet Wolseley, the General Officer Commanding in South Africa, at Rorke's Drift on 3 August 1879. Today, his Victoria Cross is proudly displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon, Powys, Wales.