Dear Folks,
The Victoria Cross is the English version of the American Medal of
Honor. Both are the highest medal that their respective countries can
bestow for bravery.
As most of you know, the American General LOUIS H. CARPENTER won the
Medal of Honor as a Captain with the 10th Cavalry (Regular Army - AKA
"The Buffalo Soldiers") during a forced march to the relief of Colonel
Forsyth on the Arickaree Fork of the Republican River, Colorado, and for
the combat on the Beaver, in the Indian campaign of 1868.
An English Carpenter in 1918 was given it for his action in World War
I. His name was Alfred Francis Blakeney CARPENTER. See below.
I am interested in finding his Carpenter Ancestry. In one record I note
that he is of Cornish Ancestry, yet he was born in Barnes, South West of
London England.
If anyone can help add information to him and his ancestry, I would
appreciate a message.
Thank You,
John R. Carpenter
La Mesa, CA
E-MAIL me at: jrcrin001(a)home.com
NAME: Alfred Francis Blakeney CARPENTER
Rank: Vice-Admiral Royal Navy (Then Captain)
VC won: Zeebrugge, Belgium, 22-23 April 1918
London Gaz: 23 July 1918
Born: Barnes, SW London, 17 September 1881
Died: 27 December 1955, Nr. Lydney
Grave: Gloucester Crematorium, Gloucestershire
Location of VC: Imperial War Museum, Kennington
Remarks: Elected by ballot
http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/gloucest.htm
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Captain Carpenter was in
command of HMS Vindictive, navigating mined waters and bringing the ship
alongside the Mole in darkness. When Vindictive was within a few yards
of the Mole, the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from
batteries, machine-guns and rifles. Captain Carpenter supervised the
landing from Vindictive on to the Mole, walking the decks, encouraging
the men. His power of command, personal bearing and encouragement to
those under him greatly contributed to the success of the operation.
Other honors: Croix de Guerre and Legion d'Honneur (France).
http://www.chapter-one.com/vc/awards/c/0187.html