Jacob Rivers V.C. 1882-1915:
Private Sherwood Foresters
Born 23rd March 1882 and was baptised on the 7th September 1882 at St. Alkmund's Church, Derby in the County of Derbyshire. The son of George and Adeline.
On the 22nd April 1898, he joined the 3rd Battalion, Derby Regiment, No 6263, aged 17 years' and one month, Jacob's description was 5ft 6 inches tall, 110 pounds, with a 31 inch chest, a fresh complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. Marks: MB & dots left forearm, VR upper left arm and F right forearm. Description 31st May 1899, 18 years and one month 5ft 8 ¼ inches tall, 124 pounds, with a 34 inch chest. Transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers No 6129. From 15th March 1901 - 28th February 1907, he was stationed in the East Indies. Convicted of breaking out of barracks, and sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment 18th October 1905. Discharged 2nd June 1911, after 12 years service. |
Back on civil street he worked as a rivetter, and lived with his mother, at Court 12 House 4 Bridge Gate, Derby in the County of Derbyshire.
On the 18th August 1914 aged 32 years 284 days, he enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment No 6016. He was 5ft 11 inches tall, 152 pounds with a 35 inch chest. He arrived in France on the 11th December 1914. Killed in Action 12th March 1915, awarded the Victoria Cross.
The London Gazette 28th April 1915
Private Jacob Rivers No 6016, late 1st Battalion, The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, was rewarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915, when he, 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 actions caused the enemy to retire, and so relieved the situation.
Private Rivers performed a second act of great bravery on the same day, similar to the first mentioned, again causing the enemy to retire. He was killed on this occasion.
On the 18th August 1914 aged 32 years 284 days, he enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment No 6016. He was 5ft 11 inches tall, 152 pounds with a 35 inch chest. He arrived in France on the 11th December 1914. Killed in Action 12th March 1915, awarded the Victoria Cross.
The London Gazette 28th April 1915
Private Jacob Rivers No 6016, late 1st Battalion, The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, was rewarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915, when he, 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 actions caused the enemy to retire, and so relieved the situation.
Private Rivers performed a second act of great bravery on the same day, similar to the first mentioned, again causing the enemy to retire. He was killed on this occasion.