Charles Fitzclarence
Captain, The Royal Fusiliers
- Register No.
- 409 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Captain all Captains →
- Unit
- The Royal Fusiliers all Royal Fusiliers VCs →
- Date of action
- 14 October 1899 on this day → all of 1899 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second Boer War
- London Gazette
- 24th April, 1858 on this day → all of 1858 →
- Born
- 8th May 1865 at Bishopscourt, County Kildare, Ireland
- Died
- 12th November, 1914-at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium
- Memorial / grave
- on Menin Gate memorial, Belgium, and St George's Memorial Church, Ypres, Belgium. Memorial not known
Digest of citation
On 14th October, 1899 near Mafeking, South Africa, Captain FitzClarence went with a partially trained Squadron to the assistance of an armoured train. The enemy was in greatly superior numbers and the squadron was, for a time, surrounded and in great danger. The captain, however, so inspired his men that not only was the train relieved, but a heavy defeat was inflicted on the Boers. On 27th October he led his squadron in a successful night attack and on the 26th December he again distinguished himself, and was severely wounded. On 28th September, 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, Gunner Fitzgerald and a sergeant * worked their gun after every other man belonging to it had been either killed or wounded. They were under very heavy fire, but cleared the road of the enemy
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
FitzCLARENCE, Charles . (reg No. 409).
Captain. The Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 6th July 1900. A Born on 8th May 1865 at Bishopscourt, County Kildare, Ireland.
Died on 12th November, 1914-at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium.
Memorial on Menin Gate memorial, Belgium, and St George's Memorial Church, Ypres, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads: On 14th October, 1899 near Mafeking, South Africa, Captain FitzClarence went with a partially trained Squadron to the assistance of an armoured train. The enemy was in greatly superior numbers and the squadron was, for a time, surrounded and in great danger. The captain, however, so inspired his men that not only was the train relieved, but a heavy defeat was inflicted on the Boers. On 27th October he led his squadron in a successful night attack and on the 26th December he again distinguished himself, and was severely wounded.
Additional information: Brigadier General FitzClarence commanded the 1st Guards Brigade in 1914. He was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 12th November 1914.
FitzGERALD, Richard.: reg No. 410). Gunner Bengal Horse Artillery.
London Gazetted on 24th April, 1858.
Born on in December 1831 at St Finbars, Cork, Ireland.
Died on in 1884 in India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads: On 28th September, 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, Gunner Fitzgerald and a sergeant * worked their gun after every other man belonging to it had been either killed or wounded. They were under very heavy fire, but cleared the road of the enemy.
* B Diamond. (reg No. 326).
Additional information
Brigadier General FitzClarence commanded the 1st Guards Brigade in 1914. He was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 12th November 1914. FitzGERALD, Richard.: reg No. 410). Gunner Bengal Horse Artillery.
* B Diamond. (reg No. 326).
Born on in December 1831 at St Finbars, Cork, Ireland.
Died on in 1884 in India.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: on Menin Gate memorial, Belgium, and St George's Memorial Church, Ypres, Belgium. Memorial not known
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour Charles Fitzclarence by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.