Albert Chalmers Borella (VC, MM) (7 August, 1881–7 February, 1968) was an Australian 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.

Albert Chalmers Borella was born on 7 August 1881 at Borung , Victoria.

Borella was 36 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 26th Bn. (Q. and T), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the period 17/18 July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux , France, Lieutenant Borella, whilst leading his platoon, charged and captured an enemy machine-gun, shooting two gunners. He then led his party, by now reduced to 10 men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver and later a rifle with great effect and causing many casualties. Two large dug-outs were also bombed and 30 prisoners taken. On another occasion, although outnumbered ten to one, he and his men repulsed the enemy, causing heavy losses.

Borella died on 7 February 1968, he was buried at the Presbyterian Cemetery North Albury, New South Wales. In 1977 a street in Albury was renamed Borella Road in his honour and a plaque unveiled on a memorial nearby, where the road begins. His Victoria Cross is privately held.

Reference

• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.