Paul Byrne Posted 17 May , 2006 Share Posted 17 May , 2006 Dear All, This officer lies buried in a cemetery near to where I live in Birkenhead (Flaybrick) on Merseyside. His headstone gives his death as occuring on 1 November, 1916. The London Gazette of 16 April 1915 dates his commission and his MC citation appears on 29 September, 1916. Does anybody have a copy of the regimental history of the RF's in the GW? Can anybody shed any further light upon the man and his story? A 'look up' would be helpful. Best, Paul Byrne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Promenade Posted 17 May , 2006 Share Posted 17 May , 2006 Paul, There is quite a lot of documentation on Van Gruisen - too much to type out. The following are some notes: Younger son of Albert Henry Van Gruisen of Alcira, Oxton and Florence Angela Van Gruisen. Nephew of the Earl of Reading. Educated at Bilton Grange School, Rugby and Sandhurst. Commissioned when aged 17 and a half and posted to 2/5 Royal Fusiliers at Dover. Crossed to France Oct 1915 and joined 1 RF. Promoted Lt March 1916. Fatally wounded nr Guillmont 16/8/16 when an HE shell burst close to him and he sustained 32 wounds. After some treatment in France he was evacuated to England and he died in Liverpool 1/11/16. There are many sources of photos of him - maybe someone can oblige. Regards Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Byrne Posted 18 May , 2006 Author Share Posted 18 May , 2006 Paul, There is quite a lot of documentation on Van Gruisen - too much to type out. The following are some notes: Younger son of Albert Henry Van Gruisen of Alcira, Oxton and Florence Angela Van Gruisen. Nephew of the Earl of Reading. Educated at Bilton Grange School, Rugby and Sandhurst. Commissioned when aged 17 and a half and posted to 2/5 Royal Fusiliers at Dover. Crossed to France Oct 1915 and joined 1 RF. Promoted Lt March 1916. Fatally wounded nr Guillmont 16/8/16 when an HE shell burst close to him and he sustained 32 wounds. After some treatment in France he was evacuated to England and he died in Liverpool 1/11/16. There are many sources of photos of him - maybe someone can oblige. Regards Joe Joe, Thanks very much for taking the trouble and for the information. Will keep my fingers crossed for the photograph. Who knows? Best, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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