George Fiott Day

George Fiott Day VC CB (June 20, 1820–December 18, 1876) 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. Day was born in Southampton, England.

He was 36 years old, and a lieutenant in the Royal Navy during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 17 September 1855 at Genitichi, Crimea, Lieutenant Day of HMS "Recruit" was put ashore from a rowing boat to reconnoitre the bridge, batteries and enemy gun boats on the Spit of Arabat. He went alone and after covering four or five miles of swampy ground, sometimes up to his thighs in water, he got to within 200 yards of the enemy position, where he found that the gun boats appeared to be under-manned and lightly defended. He returned to his ship convinced that a surprise attack was possible, but had to abandon this plan when he returned on 19 September and found the enemy on the alert and the gun boats fully manned.

He later achieved the rank of Captain. He died in Weston-super-Mare.

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/avon.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Avon)"