Lt John Edward Raphael

[DaveC]

Hi everybody

Seeking any info, photo and war diary entry for the time of death of Lt John Edward Raphael 18th Bn KRRC died of wounds 11/06/1917 he was a England Rugby International. Any help would be much appriciated. Kindest Regards DaveC

[Dolphin]

Dave

This is what I have:

Raphael, John Edward played for England & Great Britain

Internationals: 9 : 1902 W- I+ S+ ; 1905 W- S- NZ- ; 1906 W- S+ (1t) F+

Great Britain [non-capped] international match: 1 : 1910 Argentina +

John Raphael was born on 30 April 1882, Brussels, son of Albert and Harriet Raphael of 5 Wild Hatch, Hendon, London.

Played as a Wing for: Merchant Taylors’ School, Old Merchant Taylors, Oxford University (Blue 1901-1904), Surrey.

Profession: Barrister; called to the bar, Lincoln’s Inn, 1908.

Remarks: Water polo blue 1902-1904; cricket blue 1903 (scored 130 in 1st innings), and 1904-1905 (99 in 1st innings). Played for and captained Surrey County Cricket Club 1903-1906. Captained Old Merchant Taylors RFC. Captained the RFU tour of Argentina in 1910 (scoring a try and a conversion in the 28-3 International victory) . Called to the Bar 1908. Contested Croydon for Liberal Party in 1909 by-election when he was defeated by Sir Robert Trotter Hermon-Hodge, Bart., the Unionist candidate. He is mentioned in The Grace of Forgetting by mountaineer Geoffrey Winthrop (who lost a leg when serving as an ambulance driver on the Italian Front) who recalls friends killed in the War: ‘J Raphael, the football player, whom I took to Wales to climb, and who ran hard up the steep sides of all his mountains, springing on his toes, and explaining to me that really was the correct way to climb.’

Jack Raphael was a brilliant all-round sportsman who played first-class cricket to a high level and represented England nine times as a three-quarter. It was reported that he possessed "a beautiful kick, a brilliant field, and possessed of a good turn of speed, he was a fine natural player, even if his special qualities did not always make for success as one of a line of four three-quarters in international encounters". He gained his blue as a freshman at Oxford in 1901, not only appeared for his University against Cambridge on four occasions, but only once failed to secure a try. He died as a result of wounds received in the Battle of Messines Ridge.

Lieut John Edward Raphael (King's Royal Rifles and A.D.C. to the G.O.C. of a Division), born at Brussels April 30, 1882; died of wounds June 11. Merchant Taylors, 1898, etc.: captain two years; Oxford v Cambridge 1903-4-5. Surrey XI, 1903, etc., and captain for a time in 1904. Member of M.C.C., since 1906.

The news that John Raphael was dead caused sorrow to a very wide circle of friends. Though he never gained quite the place as a batsman that his deeds as a school-boy had suggested, he was in the cricket field and still more in the world of Rugby football a distinct personality. Everything he did created more than ordinary interest, his popularity as a man, apart from his ability, counting for much. At Merchant Taylors he had a brilliant record. He was in the eleven for five years-- 1897 to 1901. In 1898 as a boy of sixteen he headed the batting with an average of 23 and, being quite a good school bowler, took 32 wickets at a cost of less than nine runs each. Thenceforward his school career was one long success. He was third in batting in 1899 - average 27 - and first in bowling with 51 wickets for just under 15 runs each. Then in 1900 he had a great season. At the top of the list both in batting and bowling he scored 962 runs with an average of 43, and took 68 wickets. His highest innings was 152 not out. He finished up at school in 1901 with nothing short of a triumph. Again first in batting he scored 1,397 runs with an average of 69, and as a bowler he was second, 76 wickets falling to him. He and J. Dennis made 326 together without being parted against Kennington Park, their scores being 175 not out and 135 not out respectively. Naturally great things were expected of Raphael when he went up to Oxford, but as a cricketer he began with a set-back. From some cause, after making 47 not out in the Freshmen's match, in 1902, he showed such poor form that he never had any chance of gaining his blue. As a matter of fact he was not tried in a single first-class match. In 1903 his prospects while Oxford played at home were equally dismal. However he got on well for Surrey against Oxford at the Oval, and was given a trial for the University against Sussex at Brighton. Seizing his opportunity he played a fine innings of 65, when no one else could do much against the Sussex bowlers, and two days before the match with Cambridge at Lord's Mr. Findlay gave him his colours. As in the case of Lord George Scott for Oxford and late Eustace Crawley for Cambridge in 1887, the last choice proved the batting success of his side. Raphael scored 130 on the first day and laid the foundation of Oxford's victory. His innings did not start well, but it was brilliant in its later stages. In the drawnmatchof 1904 Raphael only made 12 and 25 against Cambridge, but in the sensational match the following year--won in brilliant style by Cambridge after it had at one point seemed any odds against them--he played perhaps the best innings of his life. With a score of 99 he only failed by a single run to rival Yardley's feat of getting two hundreds in the University match. In Surrey cricket Raphael never became a power, but he often played well for the county and when--as the last of various captains--he took charge of the team in 1904 he proved quite a capable leader. Raphael's weakness as a batsman was that he relied too exclusively upon forward play. His method - at any rate when he had to contend against first-rate bowling - demanded an easy wicket. His bowling seemed to leave him after his school days.

At the game of Rugby football Raphael earned much distinction as a three-quarter back, playing for England in nine matches - against Scotland and against Wales in 1902, 1905, and 1906; against Ireland in 1902; and against New Zealand and France in 1906. A beautiful kick, a brilliant field, and possessed of a good turn of speed, he was a fine natural player, even if his special qualities did not always make for success as one of a line of four three-quarters in international encounters. He accomplished great things for the Old Merchant Taylors, and gaining his blue as a Freshman at Oxford in 1901, not only appeared for his University against Cambridge on four occasions, but only once failed to secure a try.

In a bye-election at Croydon he stood as Liberal candidate but did not succeed in entering Parliament."

War service: Served from August 1914 with the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. Lieutenant attached to the 18th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 122nd Brigade, 41st Division. Appointed to the General Staff as Aide de camp to General Officer Commanding, 41st Division.

He died at Remy on 11 June 1917 of wounds received at Messines Ridge on 7 June, and is buried in Lijessenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium [Grave XIII. A. 30.].

I hope that this is useful.

Gareth

[norwood]

I found this little bit of info :

Raphael, John Edward, Lt., Gen. Staff Offr.

b., '82 ; s., late Albert, & Harriet Raphael, Lewin Rd., Streatham

and Wildhatch, Hendon. Educ, Merchant Taylor's Sch., and

Oxf. Univ. ; studied law ; memb., and later capt. of Sur. County

Cricket Club ; capt. of Old Merchant Taylor's Rugby Club ;

played Rugby football for Eng. against Wales, Scotland, Ireland,

N. Zealand & France ; pres. of Oxf. Palmerston Club, '04-05 ;

contested Croydon in the Liberal interest in Mar., '09, when he

was defeated by Sir Robert Trotter Hermon-Hodge, Bart., the

Unionist candidate. Joined an O.T.C. in Aug., '14 ; gazetted

to Duke of Wellington's Regt, afterwards transferring to K.R.R.C.;

appointed to G. Staff as A.D.C. to G.O.C., 41 Div. D., 11 Jun.,

'17, of wounds reed. 7 Jun., '17.

Nowood

[johnny_doyle]

he's got a good write up in De Ruvigny's roll on Ancestry. No picture unfortunately.

mentions his transferred to the 18th service battalion, KRRC raised by his cousin Sir Herbert Raphael :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Raphael

Died 11th June 1917 at 10 Casualty Clearing Station from wounds received on 7th June 1917 at Messines.

He gets a small mention in the write up of the family's win at the Derby in 1912 (sorry the text is badly formatted so haven't included the full article):

THE ENGLISH DERBY.

RECORD CROWD.

WINNER OF "CALCUTTA SWEEP."

Mr. Walter Raphael, the owner of Tagalie, has been a member of the London Stock Exchange for twenty-four years, and his success was hailed with great satisfaction by the members, with whom he is very popular. He is head of the firm of R. Raphael and Sons, stockbrokers. The firm, which also transacts a banking business and is interested in gold refining, came to the assistance of the city in the Baring crisis in 1890.

Notwithstanding their large gifts to philanthrophy, the Raphaels have amassed large fortunes. The late Mr. H. L. Raphael, who died in 1899, left over £1,000,000, Mr. Edward Lewis Raphael, who died in 1903, left £1,127,000; Mr. George Charles Raphael, who died in 1906, left £1,103,000, and Mr. William George Raphael, whose death occurred last April, left £617,000.

Sir H. H. Raphael, M.P. for South Derbyshire, is a cousin of Mr. Walter Raphael. Another member of the family is Mr. J. E. Raphael, the footballer and cricketer, who in 1908 was Liberal candidate for Croydon

http://www.horseracinghistory.co.uk/hrho/a...ocument?id=1056

He appears on the MCC Roll of Honour

http://www.lords.org/history/mcc-history/f...our,831,AR.html

A Memorial Fund in his name is still active

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/regis...0051231_E_C.PDF

[DaveC]

Dave

This is what I have:

Raphael, John Edward played for England & Great Britain

Internationals: 9 : 1902 W- I+ S+ ; 1905 W- S- NZ- ; 1906 W- S+ (1t) F+

Great Britain [non-capped] international match: 1 : 1910 Argentina +

John Raphael was born on 30 April 1882, Brussels, son of Albert and Harriet Raphael of 5 Wild Hatch, Hendon, London.

Played as a Wing for: Merchant Taylors' School, Old Merchant Taylors, Oxford University (Blue 1901-1904), Surrey.

Profession: Barrister; called to the bar, Lincoln's Inn, 1908.

Remarks: Water polo blue 1902-1904; cricket blue 1903 (scored 130 in 1st innings), and 1904-1905 (99 in 1st innings). Played for and captained Surrey County Cricket Club 1903-1906. Captained Old Merchant Taylors RFC. Captained the RFU tour of Argentina in 1910 (scoring a try and a conversion in the 28-3 International victory) . Called to the Bar 1908. Contested Croydon for Liberal Party in 1909 by-election when he was defeated by Sir Robert Trotter Hermon-Hodge, Bart., the Unionist candidate. He is mentioned in The Grace of Forgetting by mountaineer Geoffrey Winthrop (who lost a leg when serving as an ambulance driver on the Italian Front) who recalls friends killed in the War: 'J Raphael, the football player, whom I took to Wales to climb, and who ran hard up the steep sides of all his mountains, springing on his toes, and explaining to me that really was the correct way to climb.'

Jack Raphael was a brilliant all-round sportsman who played first-class cricket to a high level and represented England nine times as a three-quarter. It was reported that he possessed "a beautiful kick, a brilliant field, and possessed of a good turn of speed, he was a fine natural player, even if his special qualities did not always make for success as one of a line of four three-quarters in international encounters". He gained his blue as a freshman at Oxford in 1901, not only appeared for his University against Cambridge on four occasions, but only once failed to secure a try. He died as a result of wounds received in the Battle of Messines Ridge.

Lieut John Edward Raphael (King's Royal Rifles and A.D.C. to the G.O.C. of a Division), born at Brussels April 30, 1882; died of wounds June 11. Merchant Taylors, 1898, etc.: captain two years; Oxford v Cambridge 1903-4-5. Surrey XI, 1903, etc., and captain for a time in 1904. Member of M.C.C., since 1906.

The news that John Raphael was dead caused sorrow to a very wide circle of friends. Though he never gained quite the place as a batsman that his deeds as a school-boy had suggested, he was in the cricket field and still more in the world of Rugby football a distinct personality. Everything he did created more than ordinary interest, his popularity as a man, apart from his ability, counting for much. At Merchant Taylors he had a brilliant record. He was in the eleven for five years-- 1897 to 1901. In 1898 as a boy of sixteen he headed the batting with an average of 23 and, being quite a good school bowler, took 32 wickets at a cost of less than nine runs each. Thenceforward his school career was one long success. He was third in batting in 1899 - average 27 - and first in bowling with 51 wickets for just under 15 runs each. Then in 1900 he had a great season. At the top of the list both in batting and bowling he scored 962 runs with an average of 43, and took 68 wickets. His highest innings was 152 not out. He finished up at school in 1901 with nothing short of a triumph. Again first in batting he scored 1,397 runs with an average of 69, and as a bowler he was second, 76 wickets falling to him. He and J. Dennis made 326 together without being parted against Kennington Park, their scores being 175 not out and 135 not out respectively. Naturally great things were expected of Raphael when he went up to Oxford, but as a cricketer he began with a set-back. From some cause, after making 47 not out in the Freshmen's match, in 1902, he showed such poor form that he never had any chance of gaining his blue. As a matter of fact he was not tried in a single first-class match. In 1903 his prospects while Oxford played at home were equally dismal. However he got on well for Surrey against Oxford at the Oval, and was given a trial for the University against Sussex at Brighton. Seizing his opportunity he played a fine innings of 65, when no one else could do much against the Sussex bowlers, and two days before the match with Cambridge at Lord's Mr. Findlay gave him his colours. As in the case of Lord George Scott for Oxford and late Eustace Crawley for Cambridge in 1887, the last choice proved the batting success of his side. Raphael scored 130 on the first day and laid the foundation of Oxford's victory. His innings did not start well, but it was brilliant in its later stages. In the drawnmatchof 1904 Raphael only made 12 and 25 against Cambridge, but in the sensational match the following year--won in brilliant style by Cambridge after it had at one point seemed any odds against them--he played perhaps the best innings of his life. With a score of 99 he only failed by a single run to rival Yardley's feat of getting two hundreds in the University match. In Surrey cricket Raphael never became a power, but he often played well for the county and when--as the last of various captains--he took charge of the team in 1904 he proved quite a capable leader. Raphael's weakness as a batsman was that he relied too exclusively upon forward play. His method - at any rate when he had to contend against first-rate bowling - demanded an easy wicket. His bowling seemed to leave him after his school days.

At the game of Rugby football Raphael earned much distinction as a three-quarter back, playing for England in nine matches - against Scotland and against Wales in 1902, 1905, and 1906; against Ireland in 1902; and against New Zealand and France in 1906. A beautiful kick, a brilliant field, and possessed of a good turn of speed, he was a fine natural player, even if his special qualities did not always make for success as one of a line of four three-quarters in international encounters. He accomplished great things for the Old Merchant Taylors, and gaining his blue as a Freshman at Oxford in 1901, not only appeared for his University against Cambridge on four occasions, but only once failed to secure a try.

In a bye-election at Croydon he stood as Liberal candidate but did not succeed in entering Parliament."

War service: Served from August 1914 with the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment. Lieutenant attached to the 18th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, 122nd Brigade, 41st Division. Appointed to the General Staff as Aide de camp to General Officer Commanding, 41st Division.

He died at Remy on 11 June 1917 of wounds received at Messines Ridge on 7 June, and is buried in Lijessenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium [Grave XIII. A. 30.].

I hope that this is useful.

Gareth

Hi Gareth Many thanks for your reply, you certainly done your homework, I found it very interesting and informative, hope someone can come up with a photo or war diary entry . Kindest Regards DaveC

[DaveC]

I found this little bit of info :

Raphael, John Edward, Lt., Gen. Staff Offr.

b., '82 ; s., late Albert, & Harriet Raphael, Lewin Rd., Streatham

and Wildhatch, Hendon. Educ, Merchant Taylor's Sch., and

Oxf. Univ. ; studied law ; memb., and later capt. of Sur. County

Cricket Club ; capt. of Old Merchant Taylor's Rugby Club ;

played Rugby football for Eng. against Wales, Scotland, Ireland,

N. Zealand & France ; pres. of Oxf. Palmerston Club, '04-05 ;

contested Croydon in the Liberal interest in Mar., '09, when he

was defeated by Sir Robert Trotter Hermon-Hodge, Bart., the

Unionist candidate. Joined an O.T.C. in Aug., '14 ; gazetted

to Duke of Wellington's Regt, afterwards transferring to K.R.R.C.;

appointed to G. Staff as A.D.C. to G.O.C., 41 Div. D., 11 Jun.,

'17, of wounds reed. 7 Jun., '17.

Nowood

Hi John

Many thanks for your reply with yours, Gareths and Johnnys it build quite a picture of this young man. Kindest Regards DaveC

[DaveC]

he's got a good write up in De Ruvigny's roll on Ancestry. No picture unfortunately.

mentions his transferred to the 18th service battalion, KRRC raised by his cousin Sir Herbert Raphael :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Raphael

Died 11th June 1917 at 10 Casualty Clearing Station from wounds received on 7th June 1917 at Messines.

He gets a small mention in the write up of the family's win at the Derby in 1912 (sorry the text is badly formatted so haven't included the full article):

THE ENGLISH DERBY.

RECORD CROWD.

WINNER OF "CALCUTTA SWEEP."

Mr. Walter Raphael, the owner of Tagalie, has been a member of the London Stock Exchange for twenty-four years, and his success was hailed with great satisfaction by the members, with whom he is very popular. He is head of the firm of R. Raphael and Sons, stockbrokers. The firm, which also transacts a banking business and is interested in gold refining, came to the assistance of the city in the Baring crisis in 1890.

Notwithstanding their large gifts to philanthrophy, the Raphaels have amassed large fortunes. The late Mr. H. L. Raphael, who died in 1899, left over £1,000,000, Mr. Edward Lewis Raphael, who died in 1903, left £1,127,000; Mr. George Charles Raphael, who died in 1906, left £1,103,000, and Mr. William George Raphael, whose death occurred last April, left £617,000.

Sir H. H. Raphael, M.P. for South Derbyshire, is a cousin of Mr. Walter Raphael. Another member of the family is Mr. J. E. Raphael, the footballer and cricketer, who in 1908 was Liberal candidate for Croydon

http://www.horseracinghistory.co.uk/hrho/a...ocument?id=1056

He appears on the MCC Roll of Honour

http://www.lords.org/history/mcc-history/f...our,831,AR.html

A Memorial Fund in his name is still active

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/regis...0051231_E_C.PDF

Hi Johnny

I have De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, and i never thought of looking through it, Would love to have a better picture of MCC Roll of Honour photo, perhaps somebody may have a better copy. I've found all replys very interesting. Kindest Regards DaveC

[David_Underdown]

There's an article on Jack himself in Wikipedia too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Raphael_(sportsman). Various other sources listed there.

[DaveC]

There's an article on Jack himself in Wikipedia too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Raphael_(sportsman). Various other sources listed there.

Cheers David for that, it's all mounting up, now, still looking for photo, to go in his file, you would have thought a Rugby International would have had his photo taken even if it was a team photo? Kindest Regards DaveC

[johnny_doyle]

he's on the the photo's here - middle row, second from right

http://www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk/blues/o.../oxford1904.jpg

there are a couple of others at Clifton RFC website. Google "J E Raphael" and check the images option.

[DaveC]

he's on the the photo's here - middle row, second from right

http://www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk/blues/o.../oxford1904.jpg

there are a couple of others at Clifton RFC website. Google "J E Raphael" and check the images option.

Thanks Johnny, What a great website. Kindest Regards DaveC

[davidrmeasures]

He is mentioned very briefly in the book Sapper Martin The Secret Great War Diary of Jack Martin - In an entry dated 7th June 1917 concerning the Messines Ridge there is an aside which says: -

"Lieut. Raphael, the Surrey Cricketer, was up here this morning for no earthly reason as far as I can make out, other than that of souvenir hunting. He brought his batman with him and both were killed by a shell in a dugout which he was exploring."

[DaveC]

He is mentioned very briefly in the book Sapper Martin The Secret Great War Diary of Jack Martin - In an entry dated 7th June 1917 concerning the Messines Ridge there is an aside which says: -

"Lieut. Raphael, the Surrey Cricketer, was up here this morning for no earthly reason as far as I can make out, other than that of souvenir hunting. He brought his batman with him and both were killed by a shell in a dugout which he was exploring."

Hi David

Many thanks for that missing piece of information, Would you be able to photo copy the relative page or alternatively would you have the ISBN No., so I can try and get a copy of the book. Kindest Regards DaveC

[davidrmeasures]

Hi Dave,

ISBN 978-1-4088-0267-0

Scan of page attached.

[DaveC]

Hi Dave,

ISBN 978-1-4088-0267-0

Scan of page attached.

Hi Dave

Sorry to be a pain but would it be possible for you to scan the image at a higher resolution, because when i copy and paste the image becomes blured. Once again Many thanks for your time and effort it's much appriciated. Kindest Regards DaveC

[davidrmeasures]

That's not a problem - but unfortunately at a better resolution the size exceeds the 100k limit. I could email it directly to you if you would prefer.

[DaveC]

That's not a problem - but unfortunately at a better resolution the size exceeds the 100k limit. I could email it directly to you if you would prefer.

Hi David

That would be great, I tried to PM you but the forum won't let me, something about being in a group, could you PM me with your email address Kindest Regards DaveC

[MBrockway]

Hi everybody

Seeking any info, photo and war diary entry for the time of death of Lt John Edward Raphael 18th Bn KRRC died of wounds 11/06/1917 he was a England Rugby International. Any help would be much appriciated. Kindest Regards DaveC

Dave,

Raphael has an Obituary in the 1917 KRRC Chronicle as follows:

LIEUT. JOHN EDWARD RAPHAEL.

Lieut. J. E. Raphael died on June 11th, 1917, of wounds received in action on June 7th. He was the only child of Mrs. Harriet Raphael and the late Albert Raphael, of Wildhatch, Hendon. Mr. Raphael was a graduate of St. John's College, Oxford, and a member of Lincoln's Inn, called in 1908. On the outbreak of war he joined the O.T.C. and was gazetted to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, transferring afterwards to the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and being posted to the 18th Battalion, then being raised by his cousin, Sir Herbert Raphael, M.P. for West Derby. He was appointed to the Staff in 1915 as A.D.C. to Major-General Lawford, K.C.B., General Officer commanding the 41st Division. He died of wounds – received on June 7th at the battle of Messines – on June 11th, 1917.

Jack Raphael was a sportsman to the core. If anything, in athletics, he perhaps tried to do too much. Not content with his cricket and Rugby football skill, he had a shot at the river, and rowed in the John's boat with an eye towards a third full Blue. But he had to be satisfied with his cricket and football Blues. He was in the Oxford fifteen that played at Queen's in 1901, 1902, 1903, and 1904; and in the cricket eleven that played at Lord's in 1903,1904, and 1905.

He had-nine Rugby International Caps for England, and in 1904, about the time when Surrey had many changes in her cricket captains, he followed Lord Dalmeny in the leadership of the eleven. At Merchant Taylors, Raphael was one of the best all-round athletes since the days of Montague Shearman (now Mr. Justice Shearman). When he went up to Oxford he quickly got his Rugby Blue as a Freshman, and in his two last years he played under the captaincy of V. H. Cartwright and Adrian Stoop. He was a natural threequarter back, with a beautiful kick and plenty of pace, and had the faculty for using those long arms of his in a strong "hand-off." His best Rugby was seen when he was playing either for Oxford or for the O.M.T.'s; but his strong individual game did not always blend with that of his companions in "internationals." But he had two very good matches at Inverleith, and was twice on the winning side against Scotland. In his first cricket year for Oxford at Lord's (1903) he made 130, and in 1905 he had an innings of 95. He was a painstaking rather than a brilliant bat; but he came down very straight on the ball and had plenty of strokes. In swimming he had his half-Blue, and in fencing he represented his school at Aldershot. Raphael, when he came down from Oxford, entered Lincoln's Inn, and he joined the Bar under the aegis of the late Lord Alverstone. After being "called," he made a tour round the world with one of his kinsmen. He himself had some ideas of a political career; but his debut as Liberal candidate for Croydon in 1909 was not successful.

An officer who was with him when he was wounded writes: " I have seen gallant men in many parts of the world, under all sorts of conditions, but never in my experience have I been so impressed by such a magnificent display of sheer pluck and unselfishness as was shown by Lieut. J. E. Raphael."

No photograph unfortunately and little additional info other than he attended St John's College at Oxford.

There's no mention of his death in the 18/KRRC Battalion War Records section in the same volume, but he was serving away from the battalion as the ADC to the Divisional commander, so this is perhaps not surprising despite Jack's being the cousin of the founder of the battalion.

I would likewise be surprised if Jack's death is covered in the 18/KRRC battalion War Diary. I would try and get hold of the 41st Division War Diary - that would be a much better bet.

It appears that Raphael's Appointment to the Staff dates from 18 Nov 1915:

[London Gazette #29379 published 23 Nov 1915]

while his transfer to 18th (Arts & Crafts) KRRC from the Duke of Wellington's Regt was on 04 Nov 1915:

[London Gazette #29380 also published 23 Nov 1915]

... which suggests he was not really in 18/KRRC long enough to put down many roots aside from his relationship with its founder!

Some other dates to give further context ...

• 18/KRRC was raised on 04 Jun 1915 by Sir Herbert Raphael, MP, and was officially taken over by the War Office on 04 Sep 1915.
• 41st Division was formed in October 1915. The divisional CO was Maj.Genl. S.T.B. Lawford.
• 18/KRRC joined 41st Division at Witley, Surrey, on 10 Oct 1915, initially in 123rd Brigade, then being reassigned to 122nd Brigade on 24 Oct.
• 18/KRRC (with the rest of 41st Division) did not embark for France until 02 May 1916.

Do you have any idea of when he gained his Commission in the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regt?

An interesting man.

Cheers,

Mark

[DaveC]

Dave,

Raphael has an Obituary in the 1917 KRRC Chronicle as follows:

LIEUT. JOHN EDWARD RAPHAEL.

Lieut. J. E. Raphael died on June 11th, 1917, of wounds received in action on June 7th. He was the only child of Mrs. Harriet Raphael and the late Albert Raphael, of Wildhatch, Hendon. Mr. Raphael was a graduate of St. John's College, Oxford, and a member of Lincoln's Inn, called in 1908. On the outbreak of war he joined the O.T.C. and was gazetted to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, transferring afterwards to the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and being posted to the 18th Battalion, then being raised by his cousin, Sir Herbert Raphael, M.P. for West Derby. He was appointed to the Staff in 1915 as A.D.C. to Major-General Lawford, K.C.B., General Officer commanding the 41st Division. He died of wounds – received on June 7th at the battle of Messines – on June 11th, 1917.

Jack Raphael was a sportsman to the core. If anything, in athletics, he perhaps tried to do too much. Not content with his cricket and Rugby football skill, he had a shot at the river, and rowed in the John's boat with an eye towards a third full Blue. But he had to be satisfied with his cricket and football Blues. He was in the Oxford fifteen that played at Queen's in 1901, 1902, 1903, and 1904; and in the cricket eleven that played at Lord's in 1903,1904, and 1905.

He had-nine Rugby International Caps for England, and in 1904, about the time when Surrey had many changes in her cricket captains, he followed Lord Dalmeny in the leadership of the eleven. At Merchant Taylors, Raphael was one of the best all-round athletes since the days of Montague Shearman (now Mr. Justice Shearman). When he went up to Oxford he quickly got his Rugby Blue as a Freshman, and in his two last years he played under the captaincy of V. H. Cartwright and Adrian Stoop. He was a natural threequarter back, with a beautiful kick and plenty of pace, and had the faculty for using those long arms of his in a strong "hand-off." His best Rugby was seen when he was playing either for Oxford or for the O.M.T.'s; but his strong individual game did not always blend with that of his companions in "internationals." But he had two very good matches at Inverleith, and was twice on the winning side against Scotland. In his first cricket year for Oxford at Lord's (1903) he made 130, and in 1905 he had an innings of 95. He was a painstaking rather than a brilliant bat; but he came down very straight on the ball and had plenty of strokes. In swimming he had his half-Blue, and in fencing he represented his school at Aldershot. Raphael, when he came down from Oxford, entered Lincoln's Inn, and he joined the Bar under the aegis of the late Lord Alverstone. After being "called," he made a tour round the world with one of his kinsmen. He himself had some ideas of a political career; but his debut as Liberal candidate for Croydon in 1909 was not successful.

An officer who was with him when he was wounded writes: " I have seen gallant men in many parts of the world, under all sorts of conditions, but never in my experience have I been so impressed by such a magnificent display of sheer pluck and unselfishness as was shown by Lieut. J. E. Raphael."

No photograph unfortunately and little additional info other than he attended St John's College at Oxford.

There's no mention of his death in the 18/KRRC Battalion War Records section in the same volume, but he was serving away from the battalion as the ADC to the Divisional commander, so this is perhaps not surprising despite Jack's being the cousin of the founder of the battalion.

I would likewise be surprised if Jack's death is covered in the 18/KRRC battalion War Diary. I would try and get hold of the 41st Division War Diary - that would be a much better bet.

It appears that Raphael's Appointment to the Staff dates from 18 Nov 1915:

[London Gazette #29379 published 23 Nov 1915]

while his transfer to 18th (Arts & Crafts) KRRC from the Duke of Wellington's Regt was on 04 Nov 1915:

[London Gazette #29380 also published 23 Nov 1915]

... which suggests he was not really in 18/KRRC long enough to put down many roots aside from his relationship with its founder!

Some other dates to give further context ...

• 18/KRRC was raised on 04 Jun 1915 by Sir Herbert Raphael, MP, and was officially taken over by the War Office on 04 Sep 1915.
• 41st Division was formed in October 1915. The divisional CO was Maj.Genl. S.T.B. Lawford.
• 18/KRRC joined 41st Division at Witley, Surrey, on 10 Oct 1915, initially in 123rd Brigade, then being reassigned to 122nd Brigade on 24 Oct.
• 18/KRRC (with the rest of 41st Division) did not embark for France until 02 May 1916.

Do you have any idea of when he gained his Commission in the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regt?

An interesting man.

Cheers,

Mark

Hi Mark

Here is a photo of John Edward Raphael, Sorry the only LG entries i have are the same as you posted, i do have a picture of his grave if interested. Kindest Regards DaveC

[MBrockway]

Thanks Dave,

As a trivial technical Tip, if you Reply by using the "Add Reply" button just below the final Post in the Topic instead of the plain "Reply" button, then the text from the previous Post is not included in your reply.

Alternatively you can use the "Reply" button but press the "+ Quote" button next to it first. That toggles between including the other Pal's text or not. Once you've pressed it, it should change to read "- Quote" then when you press "Reply" the previous poster's material is not included.

Lastly even when you do include the earlier text as a "Quotation" you can always shorten it by editing.

It's just a bit laborious for the Pals having to scroll through great chunks of repeated material

It also eats valuable storage increasing the costs of providing the website, so you'll be popular with the Mods and Trustees too

Cheers,

Mark

[DaveC]

Cheers Mark thanks for the tip. Regards Dave

[TParker96]

Hi,

Sorry this is so late into the topic but i couldn't help but notice that both he and his 'batman' were killed/ injured when they went to explore a dugout on that date, does anyone know any details of who the batman was as i believe he may be my relative as he was supposed to be a batman in this same regiment and was killed around the same time (June 1917) so i wasn't sure whether or not this have been him as he served in the 18th KRRC at this time of the war before he was killed. He was supposed to have died whilst beside his officer that he was a servant/batman to but i could easily be mistaken.

Thanks,

Thomas Parker

[Old Owl]

Hi Thomas,

I have a fairly lengthy biography on J.E.R. which includes details of how he was killed. I do not think that it mentions the man to whom you refer? but if you P.M. me your email then I can send you copies of the biography, about 6 pages.

Robert

[MBrockway]

See here and here for an Oxford rugby team photo and some further info on John Raphael.

Also this excellent 18/KRRC officers group from summer 1915 where he is sporting an arm sling.

 

Detail cropped from same ...

 

 

 

Edited 29 March , 2020 by MBrockway
Photo added

[fitz_merc]

There is the interesting story of how his mother persuaded the Head gardener to allow her ashes to be buried with her son which broke all conventions of the time. It was done in secrecy.