Alfred Carpenter Vice - Admiral Alfred Carpenter VC ( 17 September 1881 – 27 December 1955 ) was a Royal Navy officer who was selected by his fellow officers and men to receive 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 . Family . Alfred Francis Blakeney Carpenter was born in Barnes , south - west London , the son of Captain Alfred Carpenter and grandson of Commander Charles Carpenter . He attended Bedales School founded by his Uncle Edward Carpenter ' s close friend John Haden Badley . He was married to Maud Tordiffe and after her death in 1923 to Hilda Margaret Allison ( née Chearnley - Smith ) . Career . Prior to World War I he saw naval service in Crete in 1898 and during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 - 01 . He specialised in navigation from 1903 and received the thanks of the Admiralty for several inventions , and a Humane Society medal for saving life at sea . During World Was I he served on Admiral Jellicoe ' s staff 1914 – 15 . He was promoted to Commander in 1915 and served as navigating officer of HMS " Emperor of India " 1915 – 17 . On 22 / 23 April 1918 , Captain Carpenter was in command of HMS " Vindictive " which was to land a force of 200 Royal Marines on the mole at Zeebrugge at the start of the Zeebrugge Raid . For his conduct during this action he was awarded the VC : For most conspicuous gallantry . This officer was in command of " Vindictive . " He set a magnificent example to all those under his command by his calm composure when navigating mined waters , bringing his ship alongside the mole in darkness . When " Vindictive " was within a few yards of the mole the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from batteries , machine guns and rifles on to the bridge . He showed most conspicuous bravery , and did much to encourage similar behaviour on the part of the crew , supervising the landing from the " Vindictive " on to the mole , and walking round the decks directing operations and encouraging the men in the most dangerous and exposed positions . By his encouragement to those under him , his power of command and personal bearing , he undoubtedly contributed greatly to the success of the operation . Capt . Carpenter was selected by the officers of the " Vindictive , " " Iris II . , " and " Daffodil , " and of the naval assaulting force to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant , dated the 29th January , 1856 . Carpenter was also made an Officer of the Legion of Honour and awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm . He was sent on a lecturing tour through the USA and Canada , 1918 – 19 . After the war , Carpenter was in command of HMS " Carysfort " in the Atlantic Fleet 1921 – 23 , Captain of Chatham Dockyard 1924 – 26 , in command of HMS " Benbow " in 1926 and of HMS Marlborough 1927 – 28 . He was a naval aide - de - camp to the King ( an honorary position ) in 1929 , and promoted rear - admiral and placed on the retired list in the same year . He was promoted to vice - admiral ( retired ) in 1934 . During World War II he commanded the Wye Valley section of the Gloucestershire Home Guard . His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum , London , England . He was related to James Adam Carpenter of West Virginia .