Frank Partridge (soldier)

Frank John Partridge
Private Frank Partridge in August 1946
Born(1924-11-29)29 November 1924
Grafton, New South Wales
Died23 March 1964(1964-03-23) (aged 39)
Macksville, New South Wales
AllegianceAustralia
Service/branchAustralian Army
Years of service1942–1946
RankPrivate
Service numberN454409
Unit8th Battalion
Battles/wars
AwardsVictoria Cross
Other workFarmer
Quiz show champion

Frank John Partridge, VC (29 November 1924 – 23 March 1964) was an Australian soldier, farmer, quiz show champion, and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. He was decorated for his actions on Bougainville in July 1945, when he attacked two Japanese bunkers despite severe wounds. Partridge was the last and, at 20 years of age, the youngest Australian awarded the Victoria Cross in the Second World War. He later became a farmer and a television quiz champion, and unsuccessfully ran for political office shortly before his death in a car accident.