Alfred Carpenter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 17 September 1881 Barnes, Surrey |
| Died | 27 December 1955 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Service years | 1898 – 1934 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral |
| Commands | HMSVindictive |
| Conflicts | 1898 Occupation of Crete Boxer Rebellion World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Légion d'honneur Croix de Guerre (France) |
Vice-AdmiralAlfred Francis Blakeney Carpenter,VC (17 September 1881 – 27 December 1955) was aRoyal Navy officer who was selected by his fellow officers and men to receive theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritish andCommonwealth forces.
Carpenter was born inBarnes,[1] the son of Henrietta Maud née Shadwell (1858-1889) and Captain Alfred Carpenter RN, and grandson of Commander Charles Carpenter. He attendedBedales School founded by his UncleEdward Carpenter's close friendJohn Haden Badley. In 1903 married to Emily Maud Mary Tordiffe (1881-1923) and after her death married Hilda Margaret Allison née Smith (1891-1958) in 1927.
Carpenter joined the Royal Navy and saw naval service as a midshipman in Crete in 1898 and during theBoxer Rebellion of 1900–01. He was actingsub-lieutenant from 15 May 1901.[2] In August 1902 he was temporarily posted to thetorpedo boat destroyerHMSHavock for service during theCoronationFleet review.[3] From late October that year he was posted to the corvetteHMSCleopatra, used as a training cruiser in home waters,[4] and confirmed in the rank of sub-lieutenant.[2] He specialised innavigation from 1903 and received the thanks of theAdmiralty for several inventions, and aHumane Society medal for saving life at sea. DuringWorld War I he served onAdmiral Jellicoe's staff 1914–15. He was promoted toCommander in 1915[1][5] and served as navigating officer ofHMSEmperor of India 1915–17.
On 22/23 April 1918,Captain Carpenter was in command ofHMSVindictive which was to land a force of 200Royal Marines on themole atZeebrugge at the start of theZeebrugge Raid. For his conduct during this action he was awarded the VC:
For most conspicuous gallantry.
This officer was in command of "Vindictive." He set a magnificent example to all those under his command by his calm composure when navigating mined waters, bringing his ship alongside the mole in darkness. When "Vindictive" was within a few yards of the mole the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from batteries, machine guns and rifles on to the bridge. He showed most conspicuous bravery, and did much to encourage similar behaviour on the part of the crew, supervising the landing from the "Vindictive" on to the mole, and walking round the decks directing operations and encouraging the men in the most dangerous and exposed positions. By his encouragement to those under him, his power of command and personal bearing, he undoubtedly contributed greatly to the success of the operation.
Capt. Carpenter was selected by the officers of the "Vindictive," "Iris II.," and "Daffodil," and of the naval assaulting force to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, dated 29 January 1856.[6]
(Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant provides that after an action in which all are equally brave and distinguished, where no special selection can be made, the officer in overall command may direct that one officer may be selected for the award by the officers and men who took part in the action.)
Carpenter was also made an Officer of the Legion of Honour and awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm. He was sent on a lecturing tour through the US and Canada, 1918–19.
After the war, Carpenter was in command ofHMSCarysfort in theAtlantic Fleet 1921–23, Captain ofChatham Dockyard 1924–26, in command ofHMSBenbow in 1926 and ofHMS Marlborough 1927–28. He was a navalaide-de-camp to theKing (an honorary position) in 1929,[7] and promotedrear-admiral[8] and placed on the retired list in the same year. He was promoted tovice-admiral (retired) in 1934.[9] DuringWorld War II he commanded the Wye Valley section of the GloucestershireHome Guard.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at theImperial War Museum, London, England.
