b. 08/10/1891 Hunslet, Yorkshire. d. 16/06/1916 Blandford Forum, Dorset.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 16/06/1916 Blandford Forum, Dorset.
Alfred Place AM
Alfred and his brother Thomas were born in Leeds, the sons of William and Jane Potts Place (nee Finch). They also had a sister Ada. Alfred was already serving in the Royal Navy when the First World War was declared. His brother Thomas joined the West Yorkshire Regiment Before the war Alfred was a champion boxer. He travelled widely during his time in the navy and sent home exotic presents, like a photograph frame from China. In 1916 Alfred was involved in an accident during his military training, and he died while saving the lives of three other men. As he died while protecting others, Alfred Place received the Albert Medal. His brother Thomas treasured Alfred’s medals and photographs for many years, before donating them, along with his own, to Leeds Museum.
AM CITATION:
At Blandford, on the 16th June, 1916, during grenade practice, a live bomb thrown by one of the men under instruction fell back into the trench. Petty Officer Place rushed forward, pulled back two men who were in front of him and attempted to reach the grenade with the intention of throwing it over the parapet. Unfortunately the bomb exploded before he could reach it and inflicted fatal injuries. By his coolness and self-sacrifice Petty Officer Place probably saved the lives of three other men.
BURIAL LOCATION: LEEDS HUNSLET OLD CEMETERY, YORKSHIRE.
ROW U GRAVE 2967.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: LEEDS CITY MUSEUM, LEEDS, YORKSHIRE.
