Alfred Maurice Toye

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

TOYE, Alfred Maurice. (reg No. 1224).

Second Lieutenant. * 2nd Battalion. Middlesex Regiment. * London Gazetted on 8th May 1918.

VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.

Born on 15th April 1897 at Aldershot, Hampshire.

Died on 6th September 1955 at Tiverton, Devon.

Memorial on grave at Tiverton Cemetery, Devon.

Digest of Citation reads: At Eterpigny Ridge, France, Captain Toye, when the enemy had captured the trench, at a bridgehead, he three times re-established the post during the 25th March 1918. The position was later taken by the enemy after new attacks. When three of his posts had been captured, Captain Toye, another officer and six men fought their way through the enemy. He then collected 70 men of the Battalion, who had been retiring, and took up a position which was maintained until reinforcements arrived. Without this action, the defence of the bridge would certainly have failed. On two further occasions, when in command of a composite company, he covered his battalion's retirement with both skill and courage. Later with a battalion headquarter's party, he forged on through the enemy who were situated in the village, firing at them in the streets, helping cover the battalion's retirement on the left flank. On a later occasion still, whilst in command of a mixed force of Brigade, after some extremely hard fighting, he managed to re-establish a line that had been lost before their arrival. His valour and leadership, throughout this extended period of intense fighting, were most conspicuous, especially as he had been wounded twice in 10 days, but had continued to remain on duty.

* Acting Captain * Duke of Cambridge's Own.

Additional information:. Brigadier Toye also held Military Cross (MC). Between 1925-35 he was Assistant Commandant at the Royal Egyptian Military College in Cairo. From 1940-42 he commanded the Chemical Warfare School, followed in 1943 when he Commanded the 6th Airborne Division until 1944. Again in the Middle East he served at GHQ from 1945-48. Until his retirement he was the Commandant of the Home Office Civil Defence School.