British George Cross Medal Recipient. He was awarded the George Cross (Great Britain's highest award for civilians or for military personnel where a Victoria Cross is not warranted) for his bravery on November 16, 1930, during anti-piratical duties in China while serving as a Lance Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion of The Green Howards. On November 14, 1930, he was in charge of a group of three soldiers of the Regiment, was employed on anti-piracy duties on board the "SS Wuhu" on the Yangste Kiang River. While proceeding up river, the ship was fired on by communists with guns and rifles on four occasions. Fire was returned, and a number of casualties were observed. At 4:30 PM on November 16 he left the "Wuhu" in order to proceed to the assistance of the "SS Kiatung", which had run ashore and was being attacked by communists in sampans. The party had to proceed to the aid of this vessel 2 ½ miles up river in an open sampan under constant rifle fire from both banks. After reaching the "Kiatung" and embarking, Lance Sergeant Alder and his men were under rifle and gun fire constantly from both sides of the river until November 17, when another vessel arrived to their assistance. When they were relieved they had only 43 rounds of small arms ammunition left between them. Eventually, the "Kiatung" was towed off the sand bank and during the return journey the vessel was fired upon on a number of occasions. Sergeant Alder also received the 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and a 1953 Coronation Medal.
British George Cross Medal Recipient. He was awarded the George Cross (Great Britain's highest award for civilians or for military personnel where a Victoria Cross is not warranted) for his bravery on November 16, 1930, during anti-piratical duties in China while serving as a Lance Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion of The Green Howards. On November 14, 1930, he was in charge of a group of three soldiers of the Regiment, was employed on anti-piracy duties on board the "SS Wuhu" on the Yangste Kiang River. While proceeding up river, the ship was fired on by communists with guns and rifles on four occasions. Fire was returned, and a number of casualties were observed. At 4:30 PM on November 16 he left the "Wuhu" in order to proceed to the assistance of the "SS Kiatung", which had run ashore and was being attacked by communists in sampans. The party had to proceed to the aid of this vessel 2 ½ miles up river in an open sampan under constant rifle fire from both banks. After reaching the "Kiatung" and embarking, Lance Sergeant Alder and his men were under rifle and gun fire constantly from both sides of the river until November 17, when another vessel arrived to their assistance. When they were relieved they had only 43 rounds of small arms ammunition left between them. Eventually, the "Kiatung" was towed off the sand bank and during the return journey the vessel was fired upon on a number of occasions. Sergeant Alder also received the 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and a 1953 Coronation Medal.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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