 On 29 April 1917
at Gavrelle, France, the troops of various units had become disorganised
owing to the heavy casualties from shell fire and a subsequent
determined attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and
retirement. Second Lieutenant Pollard realised the seriousness of the
situation and with only four men he started a counter-attack with bombs,
pressing it home until he had broken the enemy attack and regained all
that had been lost and much ground in addition. This officer's splendid
example inspired courage into every man who saw him.
Alfred Oliver Pollard was born at Wallington, Surrey, 4 May 1893 and
died on 4 December 1960 at Bournemouth where he was cremated. His
Victoria Cross is on public display at The Honourable Artillery Company
Museum (London, England)
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