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Remembered Today:

George James Wharf MC - RMLI


kingsnorth36

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Hi Everyone

 

To add to my research Im looking for A pic of Captain George James Wharf RMLI. 

 

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding a company with marked ability. Although gassed, he set a fine example to his men throughout the operations, on one occasion engaging the enemy and finally withdrawing his company with great skill under very adverse circumstances.’

 

Wharf was killed in action at Aveluy Wood on 6 April 1918, aged 27. He is buried in Mesnil Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Any help appreciated

Regards

Richard

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Morning,

 

Off topic but do you have these with the date of deed ??

 

(From NA) (free download)

 

Regards,

 

Graeme

Image1.jpg

Image2.jpg

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17 minutes ago, GraemeClarke said:

do you have these with the date of deed ?

Per Blumberg's 'Britain's Sea Soldiers' the award was made posthumously for the action in which he died - see pages 344/5

It took place during the retreat, behind the Arras to Albert Railway

Wharf is described as 'one of the old long service non-commissioned officers of the Corps and had distinguished himself by his gallantry and efficiency.'

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Hi,

 

Strange, the NA/LG has the deed as 21 to 28 March 1918 but Blumberg has 6 April 1918.

 

Graeme

Edited by GraemeClarke
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This is from the diary of Captain Harold Horn, 1st Bn RMLI, as reproduced in Len Sellers' magazine RND pages 1114>

 

Apl 5 - Battalion took over the line in Aveluy Wood immediately in front of Martinsart where we had been in action 9 days previously. 'C' Company was left in reserve at Englebelmer but I went up the line with 'A' Company to get acquainted with the position. I returned to Englebelmer in the evening. The brigade attacked through Aveluy Wood. Lieutenant Wharf was killed at night.

 

regards

Michael

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8 hours ago, kingsnorth36 said:

on one occasion engaging the enemy and finally withdrawing his company with great skill under very adverse circumstances.’

"on one occasion"

Is it possible that the award is for more than one action?  

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2 hours ago, michaeldr said:

Per Blumberg's 'Britain's Sea Soldiers' the award was made posthumously for the action in which he died - see pages 344/5

To be fair, Michael, Blumberg does not use those words. He describes the successful counter-attack at Aveluy Wood in which Wharf was killed and then adds the words "... he was awarded the Military Cross posthumously;..."  I admit that does conflate Aveluy and MC for the reader. However, the description of the MC "...engaging ... and withdrawing..." does not describe the Aveluy action but does desribe actions on the withdrawal of the RND back to the River Ancre. In confirmation, Blumberg lists the MC on p.384 as "March Retreat" NOT "Aveluy Wood".

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Thanks everyone so much for this, finding a pic of him is like a needle in a haystack.

 

Regards

Richard

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