Hugh Pattenden Posted 12 June , 2005 Share Posted 12 June , 2005 Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew anything of the following man: Captain Charles Sproxton, MC, Adjutant, 1/4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (T.F.), KIA, 19th July 1917, France, aged 26. I know that he was a fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge, and have seen his MC citation but dont' know much about his war service. But this forum is really good, so here goes... Many thanks, Hugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMG65 Posted 12 June , 2005 Share Posted 12 June , 2005 Hugh On the night of 16/17 June 1916 Capt Sproxton was wounded in the Wytschaete sector, Ypres. The Germans opened up along the front of 150 brigade with artillery, gas, trench mortars and machine guns. He was one of three officers wounded. I also have the war diary for 4th Green Howards for July 1917. The diary is not very detailed but says. 15th July - Relieved 5th Bn DLI in Right Front Line sector 0.31 W in SWIFT & SNIPE TRENCH X in WREN LANE & MARTIN TRENCH Y in support in AVENUE TRENCH N36 & 9 7 Z in Reserve in SUNKEN ROAD N 36 & 37 18/19th - X Coy relieved by Y Coy 19th - Enemy bombarded our sector & his infantry made two attempts to reach our trenches, both attempts were driven back by our Rifle & Lewis Gun fire. A third more determined attack on the Battalion on our left was on the point of succeeding when the Lewis Guns of our left Coy got on their flank & broke up the attack. The Adjutant - Captain Sproxton was killed during the Bombardment. He was the only officer killed in July along with 12 other ranks, (one of them a soldier I am researching). THe battalion were in the Arras sector. I recommend that for further information you contact the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire. They are quite helpful. SEAN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Pattenden Posted 12 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 12 June , 2005 Many thanks Sean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Coulson Posted 13 June , 2005 Share Posted 13 June , 2005 Just a little more, Charles Sproxton was WIA at 2nd Ypres with the 4th battalion. Early 1916 he was hospitalised with severe influenza and didn't rejoin the battalion until October of that year on the Somme. He was born at Preston in Yorkshire. Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Broomfield Posted 13 June , 2005 Share Posted 13 June , 2005 From the War List of Cambridge University, C Sproxton matriculated in 1909 (from Peterhouse), is listed as being awarded MC and a Mention, and was wounded twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 13 June , 2005 Share Posted 13 June , 2005 London Gazette entries (You've already seen the MC Citation, of course) 2-10-1916 (published 1-10-1916) Awarded Military Cross Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) Charles Sproxton, 1st/4th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment), Territorial Force. For conspicuous gallantry and resource on many occasions in securing the defences of his Company line, notably the following:— On the night of 5th-6th July, 1915, near Wulverghem, although exposed by the enemy's flares to heavy rifle fire and assisted only by one Non-commissioned Officer, he carried 8 " knife-rests" (entanglements), and placed them in position within 40 yards of the enemy's line. On the night of 6th-7th August, near Armentieres, he was in charge of a party, wiring in front of our fire trench. A German machine-gun was turned on the party, but Lieutenant Sproxton, after withdrawing his party, returned with the same Non-commissioned Officer, and, with utter disregard to danger, they completed the work. 22-3-1916 (published 21-3-1916) Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Captain (temporary Major) Basil Jackson, D.S.O., to be Major, and remain seconded. Dated 26th April, 1915. Second Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Charles Sproxton to be Lieutenant (temporary Captain). Dated 17th June, 1915. 3-8-1917 Yorkshire Regt.—Capt. C. Sproxton, M.C., to be Adjt., vice Lt. (temp. Capt.) H. G. Howitt. 12th Apr. 1917. 10-8-1917 Capt. (temp.) E. S. Jones to be Capt., with precedence as from 1st June 1916, next below Capt. C. Sproxton, M.C., and to remain seconded, 11th Aug. 1917. Capt. C. Sproxton, M.C. (since killed in action) to have precedence as from 1st June 1916. 28-9-1917 (published 25-9-1917) Yorkshire Regt.—2nd Lt. J. S. Bainbridge to be Adjt. and to be actg. Lt. whilst so empld., vice Capt. C. Sproxton, M.C. (deceased). 20th July 1917. It probably only adds a little to what you know... Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Pattenden Posted 13 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 13 June , 2005 Thanks Bob, Steven, Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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