Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29447, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29447/supplements/946. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to:- No. S/107 Corporal Alfred Drake, 8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own). For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23rd November 1915, near La Brique, Belgium. Corporal Drake was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy, who opened heavy fire with rifles and a machine-gun, wounding the Officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Corporal Drake remained with his Officer, and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds regardless of the enemy's fire. Later, a rescue party crawling near the German lines found the Officer and Corporal, the former unconscious but alive and bandaged, Corporal Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his own life and saved his Officer.
Fold3_Team · 31/10/2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29447, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29447/supplements/946. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to:- No. S/107 Corporal Alfred Drake, 8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own). For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23rd November 1915, near La Brique, Belgium. Corporal Drake was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy, who opened heavy fire with rifles and a machine-gun, wounding the Officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Corporal Drake remained with his Officer, and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds regardless of the enemy's fire. Later, a rescue party crawling near the German lines found the Officer and Corporal, the former unconscious but alive and bandaged, Corporal Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his own life and saved his Officer.