Captain Francis Grenfell
(1880-1915)

Awarded: Victoria Cross, First World War, Audregnies, 1914

Known for: Serving in the First World War and receiving the Victoria Cross.

Alongside other family members, twins Francis and Riversdale Grenfell are commemorated on a plaque in the Cloisters, Eton College. Both were educated at Eton College before pursuing separate careers – Francis as a soldier whilst ‘Rivy’ entered the banking profession. The twins left for France and arrived in Mons in Belgium on 21^st August 1914. For his actions only three days later, Francis was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery leading the B Squadron to retrieve guns under heavy fire from the Germans. Francis was wounded and returned to England to recover. ‘Rivy’ was still serving in France, and was killed on 14^th September 1914 while directing fire on German positions. During the Second Battle of Ypres, in May 1915, Francis was shot and died shortly afterwards.