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THREAD: Went for a walk today (yes in the snow!) and wound up at St Giles' at the top of the hill in Rowley Regis. Had to go into the cemetery of course and came across this gent who died in 1963. Was intrigued to see MC & DCM next to his name. Obviously had to know more... (1/6)
Born in July 1885 in Aston, Harry Croft had served in the Boer War in the 5th Dragoon Guards but was invalided out. At some point, he must have moved to Edmonton in Canada as his attestation papers are for the Canadian Expeditionary Force. (2/6)
When signing his attestation papers in 1914, he gave his occupation as a teamaster and stated that he was an orphan - with no NOK details. Even though he signed up in Canada, he returns to the 5th Dragoon Guards as a Squadron Serjeant-Major- maybe due to previous service? (3/6)
Croft was awarded the DCM in 1915:
'For conspicuous bravery at Zillebeke on 27th February 1915, when he crept over the parapet on a bright moonlight night and silenced a German advanced post. He has been noted for courage and enterprise on previous occasions.' (4/6)
'For conspicuous bravery at Zillebeke on 27th February 1915, when he crept over the parapet on a bright moonlight night and silenced a German advanced post. He has been noted for courage and enterprise on previous occasions.' (4/6)
I'm still trying to find out what he received his MC for, so will add that to this thread when I do find it. In the meantime, here is a copy of a print I have found on the internet this evening of the above action - not the best quality but better than nothing! (5/6)
This does just go to show us that the First World War continues around us even if we don't realise. It also shows us that whilst we do tend to focus on those who died - as we rightly should - there were so many more who came home and had just as interesting stories to tell. (6/6)
