Nelson Victor Carter VC CSM
(1887-1916)

Died aged 29

Nelson Victor Carter VC (6 April 1887 – 30 June 1916) was an English 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. Carter was born on 6 April 1887 to Richard Carter, of Hailsham; husband of Kathleen Carter, of 33 Greys Road, Old Town, Eastbourne. His date of birth is often stated as the ninth, but his birth certificate states the sixth. He was 29 years old, and a company sergeant major in the 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, British Army when he died during the First World War. He was awarded the VC for his actions on 30 June 1916 at Boar's Head, Richebourg l'Avoue, France: For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack he was in command of the fourth wave of the assault. Under intense shell and machine gun fire he penetrated, with a few men, into the enemy's second line and inflicted heavy casualties with bombs. When forced to retire to the enemy's first line, he captured a machine gun and shot the gunner with his revolver. Finally, after carrying several wounded men into safety, he was himself mortally wounded and died in a few minutes. His conduct throughout the day was magnificent. He was buried in the Royal Irish Rifles Churchyard, Laventie, France in Plot VI. Row C. Grave 17. His Victoria Cross is at the Eastbourne Redoubt Museum, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex. A blue plaque can be seen on the wall of his home at 33 Greys Road in Eastbourne.

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