Jacob Rivers

Jacob Rivers
Born 17 November 1881
Derby, Derbyshire
Died 12 March 1915 (aged 33)
Neuve Chapelle, France
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Private
Unit The Sherwood Foresters
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

Jacob Rivers VC (17 November 1881 12 March 1915) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was about 34 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment),[1] British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 March 1915, at Neuve Chapelle, France, Private Rivers, on his own initiative, crept to within a few yards of a very large number of the enemy who were massed on the flank of an advanced company of his battalion, and hurled bombs on them. His action caused the enemy to retire, and so relieved the situation. Private Rivers performed a second similar act of great bravery on the same day, again causing the enemy to withdraw.[2] He was killed on this occasion, and his remains never found - he is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.[3]

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Sherwood Foresters Museum, The Castle, Nottingham, England.[4]

References

  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  2. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29146. p. 4143. 28 April 1915. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  3. CWGC entry
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2008.

External links

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