Albert Chowne (VC, MM) 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.
He was 24 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 2/2nd Battalion (N.S.W.), Australian Military Forces during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 25 March 1945 near Dagua , New Guinea, Lieutenant Chowne attacked an enemy position which was holding up further movement towards Wewak. Seeing that the leading platoon was suffering heavy casualties, Lieutenant Chowne rushed forward and knocked out two light machine-guns with grenades and then, calling on his men to follow him and firing his sub-machine-gun from the hip, he charged the position. Although he was twice wounded in the chest, the impetus of his charge carried him forward 50 yards under intense machine-gun and rifle fire and he accounted for two more of the enemy before he was killed.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.
External links
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
Last updated: 10-11-2005 15:45:44
