Part 21
Near LANGEMARCKE, 16th August, 1917. When laying forward cables this officer and his party were confronted with a very heavy hostile barrage and intense machine-gun fire. With great determination he pushed on with four men and succeeded in getting his telephone lines across a river. His personal courage and perseverance set a splendid example to his party, and it was entirely due to his disregard of his own safety that the work was successfully carried out, the party being under heavy fire all the time. He was severely wounded whilst engaged on this duty.
PYKETT, Lieut. George Frederick 16/Royal Warwick
Awarded 1st January, 1919.
QUARE, Capt. Herbert Alfred Brame 9/Munster Fusiliers
Awarded 3rd June, 1917.
RABINO, 2/Lt. Francis Aloysius 3(1)Dorset
SAMBRE CANAL, 4th November, 1918. For gallant and able leadership in the attack. He commanded the platoon which first effected a crossing over the canal, and it was chiefly owing to his energy and initiative that a crossing was effected at a very critical time of the attack. In the subsequent advance he again showed great ability.
RACTIVAND, 2/Lt. Dometrius 3(1)Shropshire
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
RADCLIFFE, Lieut. Charles Netten 19/London
Near NEUVILLE-ST.-VAAST, 30th August, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. He carried out the previous reconnaissances, and showed great determination during the raid, bringing back several enemy prisoners.
BAR TO M.C.
DEIR-YESIN, 8th December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Throughout the advance he displayed unremittingly the greatest skill and energy in leading his men. In the culminating assault he led the first wave, and afforded an example of dash and determination which contributed largely to the success of the charge.
RADFORD, Lieut. John Arundel 8(1)Somerset L.I.
Near VERCHAIN, 24th October, 1918. He led his company with great courage and determination to the furthest objective. He gained the final objective with only a few men, consolidated the position, and, although his right flank was completely exposed throughout the day he held on, and successfully repulsed a counter-attack after dark.
RALPH, 2/Lt. John Leslie 16/Royal Welch Fusiliers
ENGLEFONTAINE, 4th November, 1918. He showed great gallantry under difficult conditions. During the advance he handled his platoon with such prompt initiative that parties of the enemy encountered were dispersed at once; and also by skilful use of Lewis-gun fire he drove the enemy from a road which threatened the left of the final objective.
RANDALL, Capt. Joseph Edward 5/Border
LYS and LAWE, 13th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out his work as Brigade Intelligence Officer with great energy. For four days he worked unceasingly, practically without sleep and always under fire. His information was of great value, and he successfully guided counter-attack troops into their positions by day and night.
REAH, Lieut. Herbert William 517th (London) Field Co., R.E.
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
REDLER, 2/Lt. Harold Bolton R.A.F.
HAM, 23rd March, 1918. He encountered four enemy two-seater machines, and attacking the lowest drove it to the ground with its engine damaged. Later, he attacked one of five enemy two-seater machines, and drove it down out of control. He has destroyed in all three enemy machines and driven three others down out of control. He continually attacked enemy troops and transport from a low altitude during operations, and showed splendid qualities of courage and determination throughout.
REED, Lieut. John Philip 14/Liverpool (14/Yorkshire)
Near ZILLEBEKE, 7th June, 1917. He led his company in the attack with exceptional skill and courage, consolidating under heavy machine-gun fire and maintaining cheerfulness under trying circumstances, which greatly inspired the morale of his men.
REED, Lieut. William R.E.
ARQUES, 19th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night air raid this officer was in charge of the workshops and technical stores dump, next to a large ammunition dump and kite-balloon depot. At 10 p.m. two fires were started by bombs in the ammunition dump. With the exception of the anti-aircraft machine-gun crew, all men were sent to safety. Violent explosions on the dump filled the air with shells and fragments, and the camp was continually bombed by the light of the fire. He sent all the machine-gun crew away, and fired the two machine guns himself until they both jammed. Later a fire broke out in the balloon shed, which he helped to extinguish, saving a great deal of valuable material. He worked continuously for five hours under continuous bombing and explosives.
RERRIE, 2/Lt. Henry Godden 2/York & Lancaster
LOOS-CRASSIER, 22nd April, 1917. When in command of his platoon he was subjected to severe artillery and machine-gun fire, and in a very isolated position. Throughout the day, although himself wounded, he set a splendid example to his men under most trying conditions.
BAR TO M.C.
COUILLET WOOD, 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon was held up by machine gun fire and bombers, though wounded he overcame the enemy’s resistance and captured two machine guns and 28 prisoners. He remained with his platoon throughout the action.
REYNOLDS, Capt. Harry Norman 7/Royal Warwick
ST. JULIEN, 27th August, 1917. He led his company in an attack, and assisted in taking an enemy stronghold. Later he reorganised the remnants of his company and rushed a blockhouse, capturing the garrison. He showed great personal courage, and by his example encouraged his men.
BAR TO M.C.
ASIAGO PLATEAU, ITALY, 15/16 June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when the enemy had broken through. He pushed forward, stopping their advance, and, driving them back, capturing a machine gun and holding positions all night under intense machine-gun fire. Next day he again drove them back, capturing three machine guns and many prisoners, following them as far as their own lines. He did splendid work.
RHODES, Capt. Dunstan R.G.A.
VERMELLES, 23/24 April, 1917. PONT DU HEM, 1st May, 1917. He showed a fine example of courage when the battery was heavily shelled by gas shells. He continually exposed himself, moving about to ensure the men’s safety, and personally seeing to the clearing of loaded ammunition wagons.
RICH, Capt. Cecil Olvar 1/Wilts
Near PLOEGSTEERT, 17th February, 1917. He continually carried out daring patrols of the enemy’s wire, and the success of a raiding party was largely due to his information.
BAR TO M.C.
MARCOING. 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his tanks into action with great skill and coolness. After he had advanced some distance a masked field battery opened fire at about 100 yards range. Though one tank was put out of action, and he was severely wounded, he effectively silenced the battery, and enabled the infantry to continue the advance. He set a splendid example to all ranks.
RICHARDS, Lieut. Lincoln Winfield 5/Lincoln (12/Norfolk)
VIEUX BERQUIN, 19th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He rushed an enemy post, shooting the officer and putting the remainder to flight. He was the first to reach the final objective, cheering on and encouraging his men. His courage and leadership inspired his men at critical stages of the attack.
RICKATSON, 2/Lt. Hugh Cecil 1/Artists: Coldstream Guards
GOUZEAUCOURT, 30th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his company had to remain under fire in the open during an attack while a flanking movement was being carried out his example of coolness and courage was an inspiration to his men. On arriving at the objective, though wounded, he superintended the consolidation of the position under intense fire.
RICKWOOD, 2/Lt. John Edgell 5/Royal Berks
Near DOURGES, 15th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. He volunteered to cross the HAUTE DEULE CANAL and make a reconnaissance. After crossing the canal at PONT-A-SAULT his presence was discovered by the enemy, who kept him covered with their machine guns. In spite of this he worked his way along the eastern bank of the canal and brought back most valuable information, which enabled his company to form a bridgehead.
RIDLINGTON, Lieut. Alfred Charles 17th Armoured Car Bn. (Tank Corps)
LE CATEAU-MARETZ ROAD, 9th October, 1918. He displayed marked gallantry and skill when in charge of a section of armoured cars. He first attacked a machine-gun post which was holding up our advance, and, in conjunction with the infantry, successfully cleared it and captured the guns. In proceeding forward with two cars a bridge was blown up behind him by the enemy, separating him from the second car and from our troops. With one car, however, he went forward through Maurois and Honnechy, which were both strongly held by the enemy, of whom he killed five in one spot in the latter village. His prompt action prevented the railway bridge from being blown up by the enemy.
RIGOLD, 2/Lt. Ernest Edward 82nd Siege Battery R.G.A.
NUPPE HALTE, 20th April, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry. When the cartridge store became ignited during a bombardment he went out under fire with two gunners and put the fire out. They were in great danger from an explosion.
RIPPERGER, Lieut. Harold Theodore Alvin 4/Gloucester (7/Lancashire Fusiliers)
E. of HEBUTERNE and BEAUREGARD DOVECOTE, 21st to 23rd August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. He led the attack on a position and successfully checked the enemy’s counter-attack. Finding his right flank in the air he attacked the enemy in a trench on his right flank, and in conjunction with another company captured an officer and about 90 other ranks. He showed great courage and ability to command.
ROBERTS, Lieut. Frederick Arthur Donkin 18/Lancashire Fusiliers
VIJEWEGEN, 14th October, 1918. During the operations south-west of LEDEGHEM and subsequent operations south of GULLEGHEM he was conspicuous for his gallant and skilful leadership. In the attack south of MOORSEELE, when hostile machine guns were holding up the advance, he led his men forward and secured valuable positions and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.
ROBERTS, 2/Lt. Henry 7/West Yorks (1/East Yorks)
Near LIMONT FONTAINE, 7th November, 1918. During the operations he showed fine and determined leadership. When the advance of his battalion was held up by machine-gun fire he took command of two platoons, and led them forward, working round the enemy’s flanks, and causing him to retire and abandon his machine guns. Later he led another attack on a machine gun.
ROBERTS, 2/Lt. John R.F.A.
Near YPRES, 25th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a party building a gun position, and when they were heavily shelled he ordered the men to take cover. When one of the party was severely wounded he and one man went back, and though twice knocked down by shells succeeded in carrying him to cover.
ROBERTSON, 2/Lt. Albert 7/Shropshire
Near HEKIN and HENINEL, 21st to 28th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his platoon. On several occasions he withstood determined enemy attacks under intense bombardment, successfully directing his platoon when compelled to withdraw.
ROBERTSON, 2/Lt. Frank Bruce 1/Leicester
QUADRILATERAL, 15/16 September, 1916. He performed most valuable work requiring great courage, twice passing through a very heavy barrage to obtain information. Previously he had done fine work.
ROBINSON, Lieut. Harry 4(9)Northumberland Fusiliers
MARESCHES, 1st November, 1918. For great gallantry and good work. He advanced with his platoon to the RIVER RHONELLE, placed a bridge across, and then successfully helped to mop-up the village of Maresches. Later, after the enemy had counter-attacked, he advanced with two platoons, collecting men of other regiments, and eventually established our position north-east of the mill, which he held until relieved. In the operation he took 40 prisoners.
ROBINSON, 2/Lt. Norgrove Stewart R.G.A.
ST. QUENTIN, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, commanding the left-half battery, was engaged in pulling into position when the enemy opened a heavy and concentrated fire, inflicting a number of casualties on the men, who had been up all night. Only one gun was in position, but he got the second gun into action, only to be destroyed by a direct hit, which killed or wounded the whole detachment. Meantime, with great exertions he got the third gun into action, and kept the two guns firing till midday, when the ammunition was expended. His conduct throughout the day was admirable.
ROCHFORD, 2/Lt. John Robert 10/Royal Warwick
Near LOUPART WOOD, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in directing the fire of his company with the greatest coolness when the troops on both flanks had withdrawn. His splendid example inspired his men to hold on until the last possible moment, and in the final withdrawal he was again conspicuous in handling his men to provide the necessary covering fire.
ROE, Lieut. Alfred 7/Lancashire Fusiliers
Near ARMENTIERES, 1st February, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his party to their final objective, obtained valuable identifications, and brought his party back without a casualty. He set his men a splendid example.
ROLLES, 2/Lt. Nathaniel 14/Royal Warwick
Near GOUZEAUCOURT, 27th September, 1918. He led his platoon in the attack with conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire to the further objective, during which his company lost 60 per cent., including all the officers. His consistent courage and determination in the face of heavy odds in keeping his men together, and rallying leaderless men of other units, was worthy of the highest praise.
ROSCOE, Major William 2/South Lancashire (25/M.G.C.)
BEAUREVOIR. For gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty throughout the period 8th to 18th October, 1918. On the night 7/8 he was in charge of the machine-gun barrage in front of BEAUREVOIR. He moved his company into positions under heavy shell fire, personally reconnoitring each position and sighting all guns. Later, on 17th October, at LE CATEAU, he was again in charge of the machine-gun barrages, which he contrived to fire repeatedly on various targets at the request of the infantry.
ROSE, 2/Lt. Eric William Lancashire Fusiliers
SAPIGNIES, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. Although a very junior officer he commanded his company with great courage and ability, and his resolution in the leading of a counter-attack was worthy of the utmost praise.
ROSE, Lieut. Matthew Howard 22/Manchester
GUILLEMONT, 21st August, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry and determination on reconnaissance. Having discovered some of the enemy in a dug-out at the bottom of a steep bank, and being accompanied by only one man, he returned to our lines, and the same night organised a successful bombing party against the dug-out, capturing a machine gun. The success of this raid was entirely due to the coolness and ability displayed by Lieut. Rose.
ROSHER, Capt. John Brenchley 10/Durham L.I.
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
ROUGHT, Lieut. Philip R.E.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
ROWLAND, Capt. Frank Skinner 6/Notts & Derby
Near LIEVIN, 9th May, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in making his way on two occasions to advanced posts which were under heavy hostile shell fire. He rallied and reorganised the men, who were considerably shaken, remaining with them until the enemy’s fire slackened, and restoring their confidence. He showed great initiative and disregard of danger.
BAR TO M.C.
RICHEBOURG ST. VAAST, 3rd September, 1918. He handled his company with remarkable skill and gallantry in an attack. Being in support when the company in front was held up, he displayed commendable initiative and great disregard of danger in reconnoitring close to the enemy’s position, whereby he was able to attack them in flank, killing or taking prisoners many of them, and capturing a machine gun.
RUNDELL, Capt. Leslie Eric 7/London
LOOS, 14th February, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry. When the enemy exploded a mine, destroying a portion of our trench, his prompt initiative and disregard of personal danger under heavy fire enabled the near edge of the crater to be seized and consolidated.
BAR TO M.C.
VIMY RIDGE, 21st May, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry and ability during an enemy attack. He dealt most resolutely with a situation which for a while was very precarious.
RUTHERFORD, 2/Lt. Stanley 3/East Surrey
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
SALTER, Lieut. Carl Russell Colley 20/London
SHAB SALLAH, 29th December, 1917. During the attack, after his company commander had become a casualty, he took charge of the company, which he reorganised under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, repulsed an attack on his flank, and personally led a charge against the enemy on his front. His leadership, coolness and initiative largely contributed to the success of the operations.
SAUNDERS, Capt. Cornelius James 24/London
Awarded 3rd June, 1917.
SAVAGE, 2/Lt. James Percival 13/London
JERUSALEM, December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the enemy gaining a temporary footing on the right flank of the line he immediately collected a few men and charged into the midst of the enemy, whom he succeeded in holding in check until that section of the line was reorganised, after which the enemy were completely repulsed. His gallantry and presence of mind undoubtedly averted the possibility of critical developments.
SAVOURS, 2/Lt. Herbert Jay 3/Royal Fusiliers
FONTAINE-AU-BOIS, LEVAL and MONT DOURLERS, 3rd to 8th November, 1918. For conspicuous skill and gallantry in leading his company during the operations. In spite of a dense fog he made good each stage of the advance until the final objective was reached, where his company captured an enemy field battery near LES ETOQUIES. He set a very fine example to his men.
SAWNEY, 2/Lt. Leslie Thomas 7/West Yorkshire
BUCQUOY, 23/24 May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of a raiding party against a suspected hostile post, which he had previously located by a daring reconnaissance under heavy fire. When the raiding party approached the post the enemy were found to be on the alert and in great force, and his party came under heavy rifle fire. He nevertheless rushed forward in advance of his men and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting. Having inflicted severe casualties on them, he gave the signal for the raiding party to retire, and was himself the last man to leave the trench. His fine courage and leadership throughout set a fine example to all ranks with him.
SCOONES, 2/Lt. Thomas Collins 2/Gordon Highlanders
Awarded 1st January, 1916.
SCOTT, Capt. Charles Edell 12/K.R.R.C.
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
SCOTT, 2/Lt. Frank Munro 10/Liverpool
PASSCHENDAELE, 4th to 12th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in directing traffic during eight days’ operations with very little rest. His fine example, great coolness and judgment had a marked influence on the troops crowded on the road, when excitement would have added to the dangers and difficulties caused by heavy congestion.
SCOTT, Capt. Robert Francis Cloete 1/Lincoln
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
SCOTT, Lieut. Theodore Gilbert 4/Norfolk
VIRY NOREUIL, 24th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when at a critical stage of a heavy enemy attack he collected a party of 50 men at a bridgehead and directed a deadly fire upon the advancing enemy masses, delaying their advance. He continued to walk about under heavy machine-gun fire, encouraging his men until ordered to retire to a new line of defence. He set a magnificent example of courage and leadership.
SCOTT-JAMES, 2/Lt. Rolfe Arnold R.G.A.
Near BEAURAIN, 28th March, 1918. Whilst the battery was in action, and also on the occasion when the guns had to be quickly withdrawn, he at all times, by his example and disregard of danger kept the detachments working coolly and efficiently, despite the most intense hostile shelling.
SCUDAMORE, 2/Lt. Charles Greenwich 7/London
HENINEL, 13th April, 1917. Although wounded he continued to lead his men, and gave directions for the holding of the captured positions, and returned to hand in his report before having his wound attended. He set a fine example throughout.
SCURLOCK, Lieut. Stephen John 8/Lancashire Fusiliers
Near MERRIES and CELERY COPSE, 13th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After his company commander had been killed he ably reorganised his company, which had suffered heavy casualties, under heavy fire. He also made a personal reconnaissance and brought back very valuable information. He did fine work.
SCRUTTON, Major Alan Edward 1/Artists (2nd & 15th Tank Corps)
BAYONVILLERS, 8th August, 1918. This officer showed conspicuous ability and gallantry. In order to make certain that his tanks reached their starting-points in good time, and went into action ahead of the infantry, he went with them to the starting-point and went into action on foot with the infantry. He afterwards rallied his tanks at the first objective, reorganised them there, and detailed sections for tasks in the second phase of the operations. In this phase his tanks encountered heavy resistance from heavy field guns firing over open sights, but he nevertheless kept in close touch with them throughout, and went on with them to their final objective, which they reached after overcoming very formidable resistance at many points on the way. He has at all times shown remarkable initiative, powers of leadership, and contempt of danger.
SCRUTTON, Lieut. John Austin R.E.
Awarded 3rd June, 1916.
SELFE, Capt. Arthur Edward Ferrour 1/Artists: Coldstream Guards
PILKEM RIDGE, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he displayed remarkable initiative and grasp of a difficult situation in capturing his own objective as well as a strong point outside his area which would have considerably held up the attack. On obtaining his objective he quickly reorganised under heavy machine-gun fire, and throughout this day and the following one kept his company going under the most adverse circumstances by his splendid personal example.
SELIGSOHN, 2/Lt. Heinrich Leon 3/London
NOREUIL, 22nd March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having brought up a party of men from the transport lines he took up a line in front of a village, where he was attacked in great force. He held out for many hours, but was finally driven back. He rallied his men on the other side of the village, and with the greatest dash and determination led a charge through the village and recaptured the line, thereby undoubtedly saving a very serious situation.
BAR TO M.C.
Near CHIPILLY, 8th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry in action. With a small party of headquarter details he attacked the enemy in a wood, killing and making prisoners of several, and capturing many machine guns. His splendid example, until he was seriously wounded and unable to carry on, had a most inspiring effect on all ranks.
SESSIONS, 2/Lt. Donald Humphrey R.F.C.
In FRANCE, 2nd May to 10th November, 1917. During two months he did 111 hours flying on artillery work, often under heavy anti-aircraft fire. He constantly observed most successfully for the artillery, causing direct hits on gun pits, fires and explosions.
SHANKS, Lieut. Martin Hollis 1/Suffolk
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
SHARP, 2/Lt. Matthew 7/London
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
SHAW, Lieut. Walter Douglas Royal Fusiliers (10/Manchester)
RIENCOURT, 30th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during an attack, when his company was exposed to a very hostile barrage. His coolness and leadership took the company successfully through. Later, being exposed to heavy machine-gun fire, he halted his company, taking up a position in shell holes. He then led forward a platoon, outflanking the hostile machine guns, compelling them to withdraw, and successfully led the company to its objective. His courage and resource were worthy of the highest praise.
SHEPHERD, Lieut. Walter Scott 2/Wilts
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
SHERLOCK, Lieut. Cecil Claris 7/Middlesex
Near YPRES, 20/21 September, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rallied his men, who had been scattered by shell fire, and led them forward to their work. He showed splendid courage and leadership, and rendered valuable service in his preparations for the attack.
SHERLOCK, 2/Lt. Frederick 8/Norfolk
IRLES, 10th March, 1917. He displayed marked courage and determination in carrying out the work of clearing a village. He set a fine example to his men throughout, and succeeded in capturing 27 prisoners.
SHILCOCK, 2/Lt. Harold Gordon 7/London (7/Middlesex)