Alfred George Drake (1894-1915), a Corporal in the 8th Battalion of the Rifle Brigade, was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

An extract from The London Gazette 21 Jan 1916 records ‘For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23 Nov 1915 near La Brique, France. He was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy who opened heavy fire with rifles and a machine gun, wounding the Officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Corporal Drake remained with his Officer and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds regardless of the enemy’s fire. Later a rescue party crawling near the German lines found the Officer and Corporal, the former unconcious but alive and bandaged, Corporal Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his own life and saved his Officer.’

Alfred was the son of Robert Drake and Mary Ann of 62 Copley Street, Stepney, London, and he descends from a Plymouth Drake family. 

He is buried at La Brique Military Cemetery No 2.

Does anyone have a photograph of this brave man? 

Email me for further information at drake@one-name.org