1918, AUGUST 7th – ATTACK AND CAPTURE OF TRENCHES NEAR MERVILLE. SEARGENT S. J. RAVENSCROFT EARNS THE D.C.M.
Nieppe Forest
7th August 1918
Captain G. K. Rose, M.C.
From The Story of the 2/4th Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, by Captain G. K. Rose M.C. (Oxford: B.H. Blackwell, 1920)
At 7 p.m. on August 7 A and B Companies attacked and captured the trenches opposite to them, causing the enemy to retire behind the Plate Becque, a stream as wide as the Cherwell at Islip but far less attractive. We had a dozen casualties in this attack, which was rewarded by half as many German prisoners and a machine-gun. Sergeant Ravenscroft, of B Company, for an able exploit during the advance, received the D.C.M.
Citation of the Distinguished Conduct Medal
203251 Cpl. (L/Sjt) S. J. RAVENSCROFT (Slough)
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Without artillery assistance he led his platoon most skillfully and with complete success against an enemy trench, capturing the garrison, besides taking a machine gun. His platoon only suffered two casualties. He displayed the greatest gallantry and ability to command. (30.10.18)
At 7 p.m. A. and B Companies carried out a successful attack on the German front line between the Hazebrouck-Merville road and Bonar Farm. About 12 casualties occurred, but the companies captured 4 prisoners and a machine gun. Total casualties in the Battalion: 2 men killed, 2nd Lieut. A. R. Moore and 12 men wounded.
KILLED IN ACTION AUGUST 7th 1918
265598 Lance Corporal Richard Baldwin
34413 Private Reginald Richard Holloway
