Rank: Petty Officer
Unit: HMS Coventry, Royal Navy
Awarded: 23rd June 1942
Nationality: British
The citation in the London Gazette of 28th November, 1941, gives the following particulars:
Petty Officer Sephton was Director Layer when H.M.S. Coventry was attacked by aircraft, whose fire grievously wounded him. In mortal pain and faint from loss of blood he stood fast doing his duty without fault until the Enemy was driven off. Thereafter until his death his valiant and cheerful spirit gave heart to the wounded. His high example inspired his shipmates and will live in their memory.
Additional Information
Sephton died trying to defend a hospital ship that was being attacked by dive-bombers.
Alfred Edward Sephton, buried at sea, off Alexandria.
His VC was stolen from Coventry Cathedral in 1990.