Alfred Toye

Brigadier Alfred Maurice Toye (15 April 1897, Aldershot – 6 September 1955) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Toye enlisted into the Royal Engineers as a bugler in 1912 before being commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment during World War I

He was 20 years old, and an Acting British Army Captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own), during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 March 1918 at Eterpigny Ridge, France, Captain Toye displayed conspicuous bravery and fine leadership. He three times re-established a post which had been captured by the enemy and, when his three other posts were cut off, he fought his way through the enemy with one officer and six men. He counter-attacked with 70 men and took up a line which he maintained until reinforcements arrived. In two subsequent operations he covered the retirement of his battalion and later re-established a line that had been abandoned before his arrival. He was twice wounded but remained on duty.

After the War
From 1925 to 1932 he was chief instructor at the Royal Egyptian Military College and Commandant of War Office Schools of Chemical Warfare 1940- 1942. Toye then joined the teaching staff at the Staff College, Camberley. From 1934 to 1944 he was on active service with the 6th Airborne Division and with General Headquarters, Middle East from 1945 to 1948. He later achieved the rank of Brigadier serving with the 6th Airborne Division in World War II.

The Medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, England.