Alexander Malins Lafone

Alexander Malins Lafone VC (19 August 1870- 27 October 1917) 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.

Background

He was educated at Dulwich College. Lafone fought in the Boer War in various regiments, was invalided in 1901 and ended as a lieutenant in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry. He then stayed on in Africa working for the Colonial Office as an Assistant Resident in Northern Nigeria. Recurrent attacks of fever forced him back to England where he worked and kept up his connections with the Army. [ [http://www.dulwich.org.uk/OA_Document_1.aspx?id=1:29460&id=1:29454&id=1:29431 Dulwich College website] ]

Victoria Cross

He was 47 years old, and a major in the 1/1st County of London Yeomanry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 October 1917 at Beersheba, Palestine, Major Lafone held a position for over seven hours against vastly superior forces. At the time the enemy were shelling the position, making it difficult to see, but their cavalry charges were beaten off with heavy losses. When all his men, with the exception of three had been hit, Major Lafone ordered those who could walk to move to a trench slightly in the rear and from his own position maintained a most heroic resistance. When finally surrounded and charged by the enemy he stepped into the open and continued to fight until he was mortally wounded and fell unconscious.

His Victoria Cross is held at his old school, Dulwich College.

References

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