 william alfred savage vc (30 october 1912 &ndash; 28 march 1942) 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. ==details== savage was 29 years old, and an able seaman in the royal navy during the second world war when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the vc. on 28 march 1942 in the attack on st. nazaire, france, able seaman savage who was a gun-layer of a pom-pom in mgb 314, engaged enemy positions ashore, shooting with great accuracy. although he had no gun-shield and was in a most exposed position, he continued firing with great coolness until at last he was killed at his gun. ==the medal== his victoria cross is displayed at the national maritime museum, greenwich, england. ==references== *british vcs of world war 2 (john laffin, 1997) *monuments to courage (david harvey, 1999) *the register of the victoria cross (this england, 1997) ==external links== *smethwick heritage *cwgc entry *able seaman w.a. savage in the art of war exhibition at the uk national archives *location of grave and vc medal (cornwall)  
1912_births 1942_deaths British_World_War_II_recipients_of_the_Victoria_Cross British_military_personnel_killed_in_World_War_II People_from_Smethwick Royal_Navy_personnel_of_World_War_II Royal_Navy_recipients_of_the_Victoria_Cross Royal_Navy_sailors