'The Taking of the Guns', 1914

Coloured engraving after Richard Caton Woodville, published by the 'Illustrated London News', 1914.

Captain Francis Grenfell led the 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers in the action at Audregnies, on 24 August 1914 during the Battle of Mons, against a large body of German infantry who were advancing to encircle the 5th Division. This action was later compared to the Charge of the Light Brigade since it demonstrated great bravery but accomplished little. Later in the day Grenfell and his men helped to drag away British guns which were in danger of being captured. In this painting, the artist appears to have combined the two events.

Although not the first action of World War One (1914-1918) for which the Victoria Cross was awarded, Grenfell was the first to be gazetted, that is, officially listed in 'The London Gazette' as a recipient. The citation was for 'gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Audregnies...and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day'. Grenfell was killed in action at Hooghe near Ypres on 24 May 1915.