Personal info
- Name: Alfred Oliver POLLARD
- D.O.B: 4th May, 1893
- D.O.A: 29th Jun, 1917
- D.O.D: 4th Dec, 1960
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion The Honourable Artillery Company, 190th Brigade, 63rd (Naval) Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Near Gavrelle, France 28-29 April 1917
28-29 April 1917
The First World War 1917
The third and easternmost of the German defensive positions at this point of the Hindenburg Line, ran past the village of Gavrelle on the far side of the southern end of Vimy Ridge about six miles east-north-east of Arras. On 23 April 1917 1st Battalion The Honourable Artillery Company took part in the capture of Gavrelle but the Germans retook it the following day. On 28 April the British attacked again and Second Lieutenant R L Haine and C Company were detailed to capture a German strongpoint just across the railway which ran north of the village. A number of assaults were unsuccessful but on the 29th Haine at last succeeded. Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant A O Pollard established himself in a trench to the north of Haine, to ward off a counter-attack. When this came, he not only repulsed it but managed to advance along 300 yards of enemy trench and clear it.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and determination. The troops of various units on the left of this Officer’s battalion had become disorganised owing to the heavy casualties from shell fire; and a subsequent determined enemy attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and retirement, closely pressed by hostile forces. 2nd Lt. Pollard at once realised the seriousness of the situation, and dashed up to stop the retirement. With only four men he started a counter-attack with bombs, and pressed it home till he had broken the enemy attack, regained all that had been lost and much ground in addition. The enemy retired in disorder, sustaining many casualties. By his force of will, dash and splendid example, coupled with an utter contempt of danger, this Officer, who has already won the D.C.M. and M.C., infused courage into every man who saw him.
Extra Information
(Subscription Required)