Author: Carpenter, Alfred F.B. (1881-1955). British Vice-Admiral who served during the Boxer Rebellion and who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service in the Raid on Zeebrugge.
Title: An Original Underwood & Underwood Photograph Signed by Captain Alfred F.B. Carpenter, Who Was Awarded the Victoria Cross for His Actions in the Raid on Zeebrugge.
Description: [1919]. [1919]. - An original 10 inch high by 8 inch wide sienna-toned photograph by Underwood & Underwood. The portrait depicts then Captain Alfred F.B. Carpenter in three-quarter profile from the chest up. He is attired in full dress uniform. Blemishes to the image appear to have been present in the original negative and the photographic studio's name is reproduced at bottom left. The portrait is boldly signed and dated in white ink by the Vice-Admiral at bottom right "Alfred F.B. Carpenter / Captain V.C.R.N. / 22.1.19". There is minor rippling along the edges of the photograph. Very good.

The British Vice-Admiral Alfred F.B. Carpenter (1881-1955) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service during the Raid of Zeebrugge. Having served and seen action during the Boxer Rebellion, Carpenter served under Admiral Jellicoe during the First World War. As Commander of the "Vindictive" he led the raid to destroy the stone mole protecting the entrance to the canal at Zeebrugge, destroy the German submarine bases, and land bluejackets and marines to complete the task. Accompanied by the cruisers Intrepid, Iphigenia and Thetis, they came under heavy machine gun fire which riddled the ships with bullets and the assault was made worse by unanticipated heavy seas. At one point, the "Vindictive's" propeller was caught in the nets defending the shore, rendering it useless. An old submarine rammed the mole and its explosive charges were set off as the crew evacuated. Despite heavy losses, the operation was considered a success. The storming party had landed and what was left of the Vindictive limped away. Very good .

Keywords: MILITARY; NAVAL; MARITIME; WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR; UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD; ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH; PORTRAIT; VICE-ADMIRAL ALFRED F. CARPENTER; SIGNED; AUTOGRAPH; SIGNATURE; ROYAL NAVY; CAPTAIN; VINDICTIVE; RAID ON ZEEBRUGGE; WWI; COMMADER; BOXER REB

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