Alfred Smith (VC)

Alfred Smith VC (1861 – 6 January 1932) 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.

Smith was about 24 years old, and a gunner in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, British Army during the Mahdist War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 17 January 1885 at the Battle of Abu Klea, Sudan, Gunner Smith saved a lieutenant who was being attacked by a native. The officer was superintending his gun at the time and had no weapon in his hand, but Gunner Smith, wielding the hand spike of his gun, warded off the thrust of the spear, giving the lieutenant time to draw his sword and bring the assailant to his knees. The latter, however, made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, but not before the lieutenant was wounded. Gunner Smith then managed to kill the native before he could attack again.

In 1895 while working at the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich Smith was involved in an accident when his forearm was crushed by machinery.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich, England.

Gunner Smith's unit, 1 Battery, Southern Division, Royal Artillery, was later re-numbered 176 Battery and still exists today. In 1955 it was awarded the honour title "Abu Klea" in recognition of Gunner Smith's VC.