Alfred Henry Hook
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Alfred Henry Hook 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.
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Details
He was 28 years old, and a Private in the 2nd Bn., 24th Regiment of Foot (later The South Wales Borderers), British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 22/23 January 1879 at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, a distant room of the hospital had been held for more than an hour by three privates, and when finally they had no ammunition left the Zulus burst in, and killed one of the men and two patients. One of the privates (John Williams) however, succeeded in knocking a hole in the partition and taking the last two patients through into the next ward, where he found Private Hook. These two men then worked together - one holding the enemy at bayonet point while the other broke through three more partitions - and they were then able to bring eight patients into the inner line of defence.
Further information
He later achieved the rank of Sergeant.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum (Brecon, Powys, Wales).
Reference
See also
External links
- Pte. Henry (Harry) Hook (http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/vc/hook.htm) (biography, photos, memorial details)
- Location of grave and VC medal (http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/gloucest.htm) (Gloucestershire)
- Rorke's Drift (http://freespace.virgin.net/sean.farrell/index.htm) (information within Frederick Hitch site)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference (http://www.victoriacross.net) with permission.
