Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Captain Alfred Seymour Shepherd, DSO, MC, of the R.F.C. special reserve, was reported missing on July 20th, 1917, and latterly was reported killed in aerial action on that date. He was the son of the late James Shepherd of Nowra, and Mrs. Emma Shepherd of Petersham, He was educated at Bomaderry School, where he obtained a scholarship. After passing through the High School, he entered the University of Sydney, graduating with honors as bachelor of engineering. On enlisting he entered camp as sergeant, and two weeks later was drafted to the officers' school, where he gained his commission. In March, 1916, he emnarked as O.C. of the 4th Reinforcements of the 30th Battalion, and on reaching France was given command of a salvage corps. Later, He entered the R.F.C., and was for a time known as the "Lone Hand Flyer" of Australia. He won his M.C. in July, 1917, for dispersing a rocket battery and attacking a balloon. Other acts of gallantry and devotion to duty brought him the D.S.O. On one occasion to which reference was made in the 'Gazette," he fought for nearly an hour with surrounding enemies. Within a month he brought down seven hostile machines, and for this he was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig. His promotion to the rank of captain was in recognition of his work in the field. Mrs. Shepherd has just received word that her son's medals will be presented shortly at a parade of troops to be arranged for the occasion.

The Kiama Independant Saturday 20 July 1918 page 2

Military Cross (MC) 2nd Lt. Alfred Seymour Shepherd, R.F.C., Spec. Res.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on balloon attack he came under heavy fire from a rocket battery. He attacked this battery from a low altitude, silencing it, and dispersing the gunners. He then returned to the attack on a balloon, and fired all his ammunition, and though his machine was badly hit, crossed the line at 100 feet.-Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1917 (30234/8382)

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) 2nd Lt. Alfred Seymour Shepherd, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions when engaged in combat with hostile aircraft. Though surrounded by enemy machines, he continued to fight for nearly an hour with the utmost gallantry and determination against two hostile formations, finally bringing down one of the enemy out of control. Within a month he brought down seven hostile machines completely out of control.-Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 September 1917 (30287/9557)

Scoring ten confirmed victories, all of Shepherd’s victims flew the Albatros D.III. On the evening of 20 July 1917, Shepherd was killed in action when his Nieuport  of 29 Squadron was shot down by an Albatros D.V flown by Alfred Niederhoff of Jasta 11.