Alfred Edward Sephton

Alfred Edward Sephton VC (19 April 1911-19 May 1941) of Warrington 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.

Details

He was 30 years old, and a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 18 May 1941 in the Mediterranean, south of Crete, Petty Officer Sephton was a director layer on HMS "Coventry" when she went to the assistance of a hospital ship which was being attacked by German dive-bombers. When the enemy engaged "Coventry", raking her with machine-gun fire, Petty Officer Sephton was mortally wounded, a bullet actually passing through his body and injuring an able seaman beside him. Although in great pain and partially blinded, nevertheless he stuck to his instruments and carried out his duties until the attack was over. He died of his injuries next day.

Further information

Paintings and drawings have been done of Alfred's bravery during the battle.

The medal

The medal was stolen from Coventry Cathedral in 1990.

References

*British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

* [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/theartofwar/valgal/valour/INF3_0427.htm Petty Officer A.E. Sephton] in "The Art of War" exhibition at the UK National Archives
* [http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/ccroynav.htm Royal Naval Museum]