Soldier. Born Alfred James Terence Fleming-Sandes in Tulse Hill. But at some point changed his first name to be Arthur. As a temporary second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, he was at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, France. On 29 September 1915, his company was badly shaken by continual bombing and machine gun fire. He collected a few bombs, jumped on the parapet and threw them in full view of the Germans. Although severely wounded, he continued to advance and throwing more bombs until he was again wounded. This inspired his men and saved the situation.
After the war, he joined the educational department of the Sudan government, and was awarded the Order of the Nile. Later, he was appointed a Judge of the Sudan High Court. Upon his return to England he became chairman of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal for England and Wales.
Awarded the VC for his heroism on 29 September 1915, age 21, while serving in the East Surrey Regiment. "He led by example; seeing his men were exhausted he collected a few bombs jumped on the parapet and threw them at the enemy. Although wounded he continued to advance. This gallant act put new heart into his men and saved his situation. (Haisnes, France)". Freemason at: №2877, Khartoum Lodge.
He is sometimes referred to as Alfred and sometimes Arthur. At one point in our researches it looked as if there were two brothers who had each been awarded the VC, displaying bravery at the same event. That was too unlikely so we looked further.
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