6/7301 Sergent Walter Sidney Rook DCM of Clapham who died on 27th Marc

[Guest filby1]

My great grandfather was 6/7301 Sergent Walter Sidney Rook DCM of Clapham who died on 27th March 1918 in France

He served with 12th Bn Rifle Brigade

He is remembered with honour at the Pozieres Memorial

He was living in Hoxton London prior to his last service for his country.

I would welcome any Information on Walter Sidney Rook , Any Information on which battle he fell , or what military records may be availible to research his service in WW1

Sadly I do not have a photo of him , and his service records do not seem to have survived however I did find a medal card which was Interesting.

Am I right in thinking the 12th Bn Rifles were known as the London Rangers?

Any information would be of Interest

Kind regards Russell Filby

[ander11]

Hi there russell .The first place to look is ,THE LONG LONG TRAIL. next to forums. I have given you some links to get you started.

http://www.1914-1918.net/rb.htm

http://www.1914-1918.net/20div.htm

http://www.cwgc.org/...asualty=1587668

this should give you the information you are looking for.

best reguards

IanAnder

[Verrico2009]

Hi Russell,

His DCM was gazetted on 3 June 1918 ( http://www.london-ga...upplements/6482). My understanding is that it usually took 2-3 months for this process, so it may very well relate to his last action. The covering wording is just that these are awards the King has authorised be given so there's no background there.

This also gives a bit of basic background:-

"The POZIERES MEMORIAL relates to the period of crisis in March and April 1918 when the Allied Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and the months that followed before the Advance to Victory, which began on 8 August 1918. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. The Corps and Regiments most largely represented are The Rifle Brigade with over 600 names..."

You'll see a bit more if you follow the link at the bottom of the CWGC page: http://www.cwgc.org/...asualty=1587668

Louise

[sotonmate]

Russell

Your GGF was killed at the Battle of Rosieres,which ran from 26-27 March 1918. His unit was with 60 Brigade of 20 Division (XVIII Corps of 5th Army). Here an article about the days:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Michael#Battle_of_Rosieres_.2826_.E2.80.93_27_March_1918.29

Sotonmate

[Stebie9173]

The citation for his DCM was in the London Gazette of 21-10-1918

6/7301 Sjt. W. S. Rook, Rif. Bde. (Clapham).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of patrols. He has taken out a large number of patrols and has always inspired great confidence in his men by his own courage and confidence. His work has produced valuable results and his resourcefulness has been most marked.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30961/supplements/12367

Steve.