Name: ALFRED DRAKE

Rank: Cpl

Regiment: The Rifle Brigade

Borough: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Date of Action: 23-Nov 1915

Memorial Location: Ropewalk Gardens, Stepney, E1 1RX

Cpl ALFRED DRAKE

Ropewalk Gardens, Stepney, E1 1RX

For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23rd Nov., 1915, near La Brique, France. He was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy who opened heavy fire with rifles and a machine gun, wounding the Officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Corporal Drake remained with his Officer and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds regardless of the enemy's fire. Later a rescue party crawling near the German lines found the Officer and Corporal, the former unconscious but alive and bandaged, Corporal Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his own life and saved his Officer.