William Alfred Savage

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.

William Alfred Savage
Born30 October 1912 (1912-10-30)
Smethwick, Staffordshire
Died28 March 1942 (1942-03-29) (aged 29)
St. Nazaire, France
Buried
Town Cemetery, Falmouth
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Navy
Years of service1939-1942 †
RankAble Seaman
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsVictoria Cross

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
  1. "No. 35566". The London Gazette. 19 May 1942. p. 2225.
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