Personal info
- Name: Alfred Cecil HERRING
- D.O.B: 26th Oct, 1888
- D.O.A: 24th Mar, 1918
- D.O.D: 10th Aug, 1966
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Temporary Second Lieutenant, Army Service Corps, attached 6th Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment, 54th Brigade, 18th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Montagne Railway Bridge, near Remigny, France 23-24 March 1918
23-24 March 1918
The First World War 1918
Two days after the launch of their Spring offensive the Germans had reached the Somme and the Crozat Canal about 13 miles south-west of St Quentin, and established a bridgehead at the latter between Tergnier and Quessy. At 6pm on 23 March, 7th Battalion The Bedforshire Regiment lost control of the strategic Montagne Railway Bridge but, reinforced by two companies of 6th Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment, managed to recapture it. Temporary Second Lieutenant A C Herring maintained his position for eleven hours before the Germans overran it.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty when, after severe fighting, the enemy gained a position on the south bank of the canal. His post was cut off from the troops on both flanks and surrounded. 2nd Lt. Herring, however, immediately counter-attacked, and recaptured the position together with twenty prisoners and six machine guns. During the night the post was continually attacked, but all attacks were beaten off. This was largely due to the splendid heroism displayed by 2nd Lt. Herring, who continually visited his men and cheered them up. It was entirely due to the bravery and initiative of this Officer that the enemy advance was held up for eleven hours at an exceedingly critical period. His magnificent heroism, coupled with the skilful handling of his troops, were most important factors in leading to success.
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