William Alfred Savage | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 October 1912 Smethwick, Staffordshire |
| Died | 28 March 1942 (aged 29) St. Nazaire, France |
| Buried | Town Cemetery, Falmouth |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1939-1942 † |
| Rank | Able Seaman |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
William Alfred Savage VC (30 October 1912 – 28 March 1942) 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
Savage was 29 years old, and an able seaman in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 March 1942, in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Able Seaman Savage, who was a gun-layer of a pom-pom in MGB 314, engaged enemy positions ashore, shooting with great accuracy. Although he had no gun-shield and was in a most exposed position, he continued firing with great coolness until he was finally killed at his gun.[1]
The official citation noted "This Victoria Cross is awarded in recognition not only of the gallantry and devotion to duty of Able Seaman Savage, but also of the valour shown by many others, unnamed, in Motor Launches, Motor Gun Boats and Motor Torpedo Boats, who gallantly carried out their duty in entirely exposed positions against Enemy fire at very close range"[1]
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England.
Savage Road located near Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth, Devonshire was named in his honour
References
- ^ a b "No. 35566". The London Gazette. 19 May 1942. p. 2225.
- 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
- Smethwick Heritage
- CWGC entry
- Able Seaman W.A. Savage in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives
- Location of grave and VC medal (Cornwall)