PO Ernest James Pitcher VC

[David Seymour]

Petty Officer Ernest James Pitcher was awarded a VC by ballot in 1917. By the time of his death on 10 February 1946 he was a Chief Petty Officer, and his unit was given as HMS Attack, a Commando base at Portland. He died in Sherborne. His CWGC marked grave is, as you probably know, in Northbrook Road Cemetery, Swanage.

I was interested to read of Nick Saunders’ mention of him in a 2004 post as a Prep school master and wondered if anyone, Nick perhaps, could add any details on this, or if Ernest’s cause of death is known

Grateful for any help.

With best wishes,

David

[spithead]

Hello David

C.P.O. E.J. Pitcher died of tuberculosis in the RN Hospital, Sherborne, on the 10th Febuary 1946. There is a memorial tablet in his honour in the parish church at Swanage. His home address was 4 Richmond Road, Swanage, called ' Dunraven'.

Regards John

[David Seymour]

John,

Thank you very much for that.

Best wishes,

David

[HERITAGE PLUS]

David

Pitcher retired from the RN in 1927 having been promoted to CPO on 1 August 1920. He then worked as a woodwork teacher at a boy's prep. school in Swanage. Later he became landlord of the Royal Oak pub in Herston. He rejoined the Navy on 5 August 1940 serving at shore establishments at Poole, Portland and Yeovilton.

Source: Victoria Cross Heroes - Michael (Lord) Ashcroft.

Ashcroft bought Pitcher's VC at a Dix Noonan Webb auction in London in 1997.

Dave

[David Seymour]

Dave,

Many thanks. Great to have that background. Thanks for looking it up, as I do not have that book.

With best wishes,

David

[Jossman]

Dave,

Many thanks. Great to have that background. Thanks for looking it up, as I do not have that book.

With best wishes,

David

CPO Ernest Pitcher. VC DSM MM is listed as a member of the honour guard at the Cenotaph in 1920. There is also a picture of the honour guard at http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/aaunksol.htm

[Sue S]

Petty Officer Ernest James Pitcher was awarded a VC by ballot in 1917. By the time of his death on 10 February 1946 he was a Chief Petty Officer, and his unit was given as HMS Attack, a Commando base at Portland. He died in Sherborne. His CWGC marked grave is, as you probably know, in Northbrook Road Cemetery, Swanage.

I was interested to read of Nick Saunders’ mention of him in a 2004 post as a Prep school master and wondered if anyone, Nick perhaps, could add any details on this, or if Ernest’s cause of death is known

Grateful for any help.

With best wishes,

David

Pitcher met up with his old Captain, Gordon Campbell and his fellow Dunraven V.C., Charles Bonner on at least a couple of occasions after the war. He attented the Garden Party at the Palace in 1920 and the V.C. weekend in 1929. The highlight of the weekend was a dinner in the House of Lords for around 320 V.Cs.

Not entirely relevant to your enquiry but interesting all the same. Sue

[David Seymour]

Jossman and Sue,

Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry for delayed response

Many thanks,

David

[per ardua per mare per terram]

His service register survives:

Name Pitcher, Ernest

Official Number: 227029

Place of Birth: Mullion, Cornwall

Date of Birth: 31 December 1887

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalog...F=ADM+188%2F401

[David Seymour]

Thank you for the service register.

David