Orders, Decorations and Medals

Corporal A. G. Drake, V.C., Rifle Brigade

Photograph, a large framed photograph of Corporal Alfred George Drake, full length, wearing uniform and holding his rifle at ease, in glazed wooden frame, 74.5 x 44.5cm., good condition £60-80

V.C. London Gazette 22 January 1916. ‘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 fire with rifles and a machine-gun, wounding the officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Cpl. 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 unconscious, but alive and bandaged; Corpl. Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his life and saved his officer’.

The officer Drake saved was Lieutenant (later Captain) Henry Tryon, 8th Battalion Rifle Brigade. See lot 1156 for a ‘Drake/Tryon’ related item.

The photograph of Drake is of a sketch by ? of Leytonstone, which is inscribed, ‘Cpl. A. G. Drake, V.C., 8th Rifle Brigade, P.C.O., La Brique near Ypres, Nov. 23rd 1915’.