Wilfred St Aubyn Malleson VC

Name: Wilfred St Aubyn Malleson

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: August 16, 1915

Service: Royal Navy

Place/date of birth: Kirkee, India/September 17, 1896

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Midshipman (later Captain)

Date of bravery: April 25, 1915

London Gazette citation:

Midshipman Wilfred St. A. Malleson, R.N.

Also assisted Commander Unwin, and after Midshipman Drewry [on board HMS River Clyde at Gallipoli] had failed from exhaustion to get a line from lighter to lighter, he swam with it himself and succeeded. The line subsequently broke, and he afterwards made two further but unsuccessful attempts at his self-imposed task…

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers and men for the

conspicuous acts, of bravery mentioned in the foregoing despatch:—

…Midshipman Wilfred St. Aubyn Malleson, R.N.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: St Clement, near Truro, Cornwall/July 21, 1975

Grave/memorials: Penmount Crematorium, Truro, Cornwall

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 1993

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum