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Notes

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Captain Francis Grenfell led the 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers in the action against the Germans at Audregnies, on 24 August 1914 during the Battle of Mons. This action was later compared to the Charge of the Light Brigade since it demonstrated great bravery but accomplished little. Later in the day Grenfell and his men helped to drag away British guns which were in danger of being captured. In this painting, the artist appears to have combined the two events.

Although not the first action of the First World War (1914–1918) for which the Victoria Cross was awarded, Grenfell was the first to be gazetted, that is, officially listed in 'The London Gazette' as a recipient. The first VC to be won in the war was by Lieutenant M. J. Dease. Grenfell was killed in action the following year.

National Army Museum

London

Title

The First Victoria Cross of the European War, 1914. Captain Francis Grenfell, 9th Lancers at Audregnies, 24 August 1914

Date

1914

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 122.3 x W 183.4 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1978-09-22

Acquisition method

gift from C. H. M. Peto, 1978

Work type

Painting

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Richard Caton Woodville

1856–1927

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