World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a corporal in the 11th Battalion, The Royal Scots (The Lothian Regiment) of the British Army on October 15, 1918 at the Battle of the Argonne Forest near Capelle St. Catherine, France. Born in Wolverhampton, England, when World War I broke out in July 1914 he enlisted in the British Army at age 15 but was discharged as soon as his age was discovered. Three years later he reenlisted and was sent to France with the 11th Battalion of The Royal Scots. On October 15, 1918 during the Hundred Days Offensive, the final period of World War I, he was in charge of a Lewis gun team and placed his gun up to within ten yards of two of the enemy's guns that were inflicting heavy casualties on Allied troops and preventing their advance. He managed to place both guns out of action and captured five enemy soldiers in the process. Later, near the River Lys, he attacked another enemy machine gun post and captured its crew. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, following the end of World War I. He also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. During World War II, he joined the British Indian Army and achieved the rank of major. He died in Dehra Dun, British India at the age of 45. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Royal Scots Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a corporal in the 11th Battalion, The Royal Scots (The Lothian Regiment) of the British Army on October 15, 1918 at the Battle of the Argonne Forest near Capelle St. Catherine, France. Born in Wolverhampton, England, when World War I broke out in July 1914 he enlisted in the British Army at age 15 but was discharged as soon as his age was discovered. Three years later he reenlisted and was sent to France with the 11th Battalion of The Royal Scots. On October 15, 1918 during the Hundred Days Offensive, the final period of World War I, he was in charge of a Lewis gun team and placed his gun up to within ten yards of two of the enemy's guns that were inflicting heavy casualties on Allied troops and preventing their advance. He managed to place both guns out of action and captured five enemy soldiers in the process. Later, near the River Lys, he attacked another enemy machine gun post and captured its crew. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, following the end of World War I. He also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. During World War II, he joined the British Indian Army and achieved the rank of major. He died in Dehra Dun, British India at the age of 45. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Royal Scots Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Advertisement
See more Elcock memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
