Herman Albrecht

Herman Albrecht VC (1876 – 6 January 1900) was a South African 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.

Details

Albrecht was about 24 years old, and a Trooper in the Imperial Light Horse (Natal), South African Forces during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 6 January 1900 during the attack on Wagon Hill, near Ladysmith, South Africa, Lieutenant Robert James Thomas Digby-Jones of the Royal Engineers and Trooper Albrecht led the force which re-occupied the top of the hill at a critical moment, just as the three foremost attacking Boers reached it. The leader was shot by the lieutenant and the two others by Trooper Albrecht. He was jointed cited with Lt Digby-Jones:

Lieutenant R. J. T. Digby Jones, Royal Engineers, and No. 459 Trooper H. Albrecht, Imperial Light Horse, Would have been recommended for the Victoria Cross had they survived, on account of their having during the attack on Waggon Hill (Ladysmith) of 6th January, 1900, displayed conspicuous bravery, and gallant conduct in leading the force which re-occupied the top of the hill at a critical moment just as the three foremost attacking Boers reached it, the leader being shot by Lieutenant Jones, and the two others by Trooper Albrecht.

The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg.