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{{short description|British Army officer}} |
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{{for|the English physician|George Leith Roupell}} |
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{{Use British English|date=January 2013}} |
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}} |
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{{Infobox military person |
{{Infobox military person |
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|name= George Roupell |
|name= George Roupell |
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|image= George Roupell VC.jpg |
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|image_size= |
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|alt= |
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|caption= Lieutenant Roupell from ''The War Illustrated'', 10 July 1915 |
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|nickname= |
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|birth_date= {{Birth date|df=yes|1892|04|07}} |
|birth_date= {{Birth date|df=yes|1892|04|07}} |
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|birth_place= [[Tipperary (town)|Tipperary]], [[County Tipperary]], Ireland{{sfn|Buzzell|1997|p=278}} |
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|death_date= {{Death date and age|df=yes|1974|03|04|1892|04|07|}} |
|death_date= {{Death date and age|df=yes|1974|03|04|1892|04|07|}} |
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|death_place= [[Shalford, Surrey]], England |
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|birth_place= [[Tipperary]], [[County Tipperary]], [[Ireland]] |
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|placeofburial= Guildford Crematorium, Surrey, England |
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|allegiance= United Kingdom |
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|placeofburial=Guildford Crematorium, Surrey, England |
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|branch= [[British Army]] |
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|image= George Roupell VC.jpg |
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|serviceyears= 1912–1946 |
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|caption= |
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|rank= [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] |
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|nickname= |
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|servicenumber= 5360 |
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|allegiance={{flag|United Kingdom}} |
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|unit= [[East Surrey Regiment]] |
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|serviceyears=1912–1946 |
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|commands= [[114th Brigade (United Kingdom)|114th Infantry Brigade]] (1943)<br/>[[36th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|36th Infantry Brigade]] (1939–40)<br/>1st Battalion, [[East Surrey Regiment]] (1935–39) |
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|servicenumber=5360 |
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|battles= [[First World War]]<br/>[[Russian Civil War]]<br/>[[Second World War]] |
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|rank=[[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] |
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|awards= [[Victoria Cross]]<br/>[[Companion of the Order of the Bath]]<br/>[[Mentioned in Despatches]]<br/>[[Order of St George|Order of St George, 4th Class]] (Russia)<br/>[[Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (France)|Croix de Guerre]] (France) |
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|branch={{army|United Kingdom}} |
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|relations= |
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|commands=1st Battalion, [[East Surrey Regiment]]<br>[[36th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|36th Infantry Brigade]]<br>[[114th Brigade (United Kingdom)|114th Infantry Brigade]] |
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|laterwork= |
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|unit=[[East Surrey Regiment]] |
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|battles=[[World War I]]<br>[[World War II]]<br>[[Russian Civil War]] |
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|awards=[[Victoria Cross]]<br/>[[Order of St George]] 4th Class<br>[[Order of the Bath]]<br>[[Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (France)|Croix de Guerre]] |
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|laterwork= |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Brigadier George Rowland Patrick Roupell VC plaque, All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames.jpg|right|thumb|204px|Plaque to Roupell in [[All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames]]]] |
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[[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] '''George Rowland Patrick Roupell''' [[Victoria Cross|VC]] [[Order of the Bath|CB]] (7 April 1892 – 4 March 1974) was born in [[Tipperary]] and was an Irish recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]], the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] forces. |
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[[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] '''George Rowland Patrick Roupell''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100|sep=,|VC|CB|DL}} (7 April 1892 – 4 March 1974) was a senior officer in the [[British Army]] and a recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]], the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] forces. |
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==Early life and military career== |
==Early life and military career== |
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George Roupell was born into a military family; his father, Francis |
George Roupell was born into a military family; his father, Francis Frederick Fyler Roupell, having served with the [[British Army]] in the [[70th (Surrey) Regiment of Foot|70th Regiment]] and commanded the 1st Battalion, [[East Surrey Regiment]] from 1895 to 1899,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27092|page=3942|date=23 June 1899}}</ref><ref name="QRScolonels">{{cite web |url=http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/colonels_and_co/commanding_officers/east_surrey/brig-grp-roupell.shtml|title=Brigadier G R P Roupell VC CB DL 1954–1959 |
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|work=[[The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]]|access-date=7 November 2019}}</ref> and was promoted to colonel in 1901.{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|pp=285-286}} George's father had married Edith Maria Bryden at [[Kingston upon Thames|Kingston]] in 1887.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=PeEaR0ZAA2QlwvZRxFkmDg&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=28 January 2011|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref> |
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}}</ref><ref name="QRScolonels">{{cite web |url=http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/colonels/079.html|title=Brigadier G R P Roupell VC CB DL 1954–1959 |
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|work=[[The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]]|accessdate=26 January 2011}}</ref> George's father had married Edith Maria Bryden at [[Kingston upon Thames|Kingston]] in 1887.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=PeEaR0ZAA2QlwvZRxFkmDg&scan=1|title=Index entry|accessdate=28 January 2011|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref> |
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Roupell was educated at [[Rossall School]]{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=286}} and the [[Royal Military College, Sandhurst]]. He was [[Officer (armed forces)|commissioned]] into the East Surrey Regiment, his father's regiment, on 2 March 1912<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=28586|page=1561|date=1 March 1912}}</ref> and was appointed a [[lieutenant]] on 29 April 1914, shortly before the outbreak of the [[First World War]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=28836|page=4381|date=1 June 1914}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=28851|page=5661|date=21 July 1914}}</ref>{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=286}}{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|p=70}} |
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==World War |
==First World War== |
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At the outbreak of war, the 1st Battalion the East Surreys were deployed as part of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War I)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF) into northern |
At the outbreak of war in the summer of 1914, the 1st Battalion the East Surreys were deployed as part of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War I)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF) into northern Belgium. Roupell commanded a platoon in the BEF's first major action, the [[Battle of Mons]], in August 1914. Roupell kept a diary throughout the war, which has since been a, sometimes humorous, source of insight and observation on the events that he witnessed and participated in. In the trenches at Mons he recounted how he had to hit his men on the backside with his sword in order to gain their attention and remind them to fire low as they had been taught.<ref name ="monsstar">{{cite book |
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|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mons-Star-David-Ascoli/dp/1841581275#reader_1841581275 |
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|title=The Mons Star|first=David|last=Ascoli|date=30 July 2001|publisher=[[Birlinn Limited|Birlinn]] |
|title=The Mons Star|first=David|last=Ascoli|date=30 July 2001|publisher=[[Birlinn Limited|Birlinn]] |
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|isbn=978-1-84158-127-9}}</ref> |
|isbn=978-1-84158-127-9}}</ref> |
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Soon after, following the [[Great Retreat|retreat from Mons]] in September, Roupell led his platoon in the [[first Battle of the Aisne]]. Once again, he came under heavy fire, this time while crossing the [[Aisne (river)|Aisne]] on a raft. The Surreys' advance was pushed back with heavy casualties.<ref>{{cite |
Soon after, following the [[Great Retreat|retreat from Mons]] in September 1914, Roupell led his platoon in the [[first Battle of the Aisne]].{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|p=70}} Once again, he came under heavy fire, this time while crossing the [[Aisne (river)|Aisne]] on a raft. The Surreys' advance was pushed back with heavy casualties.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.warbooksreview.com/challenge_of_battle/chapter-12/ |title=Challenge of Battle: The real story of the British Army in 1914 |chapter=Battle of the Aisne – Assault |first=Adrian |last=Gilbert |date=2 November 2010 |access-date=24 January 2011}}</ref> |
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|title=Challenge of Battle|chapter=12|first=Adrian|last=Gilbert|date=2 November 2010|accessdate=24 January 2011}}</ref> |
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Early the following year, during the continued fighting around [[Ypres]], Roupell was 23 years old |
Early the following year, during the continued fighting around [[Ypres]], Roupell was 23 years old when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the [[Victoria Cross]] (VC).{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|pp=66-69}} His citation reads: |
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{{quote|For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 20 April 1915, when he was commanding a company of his battalion in a front trench on "[[Battle of Hill 60 (Western Front)|Hill 60]]," which was subjected to a most severe bombardment throughout the day. Though wounded in several places, he remained at his post and led his company in repelling a strong German assault. During a lull in the bombardment he had his wounds hurriedly dressed, and then insisted in returning to his trench, which was again being subjected to severe bombardment. Towards evening, his company being dangerously weakened, he went back to his battalion headquarters, represented the situation to his commanding officer, and brought up reinforcements, passing backwards and forwards over ground swept by heavy fire. With these reinforcements he held his position throughout the night, and until his battalion was relieved next morning. |
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<blockquote> |
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For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 20 April 1915, when he was commanding a company of his battalion in a front trench on "[[Battle of Hill 60 (Western Front)|Hill 60]]," which was subjected to a most severe bombardment throughout the day. Though wounded in several places, he remained at his post and led his company in repelling a strong German assault. During a lull in the bombardment he had his wounds hurriedly dressed, and then insisted in returning to his trench, which was again being subjected to severe bombardment. Towards evening, his company being dangerously weakened, he went back to his battalion headquarters, represented the situation to his commanding officer, and brought up reinforcements, passing backwards and forwards over ground swept by heavy fire. With these reinforcements he held his position throughout the night, and until his battalion was relieved next morning. |
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This young officer was one of the few survivors of his company, and showed a magnificent example of courage, devotion and tenacity, which undoubtedly inspired his men to hold out till the end.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29202|page=6115|date=22 June 1915|supp=y}}</ref> |
This young officer was one of the few survivors of his company, and showed a magnificent example of courage, devotion and tenacity, which undoubtedly inspired his men to hold out till the end.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29202|page=6115|date=22 June 1915|supp=y}}</ref>}} |
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Roupell was presented with his VC by King [[George V]] on 12 July 1915.<ref name="QRSvc">{{cite web |url=http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/vc_gc/vc03.shtml|title=Brigadier George Rowland Patrick Roupell VC |
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|work=[[Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]] | |
|work=[[Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]] |access-date=7 November 2019}}</ref>{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|p=69}} In addition to his Victoria Cross, he was awarded the Russian [[Order of St George]] (4th Class) and the French [[Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (France)|Croix de Guerre]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29275|page=8504|date=25 August 1915|supp=y}}</ref><ref name="QRScolonels"/> and was [[Mentioned in Despatches]].<ref name="14th">{{cite web|url=http://users.telenet.be/worraf/regiments/east%20surrey/1st%20bn%20east%20surrey%20regiment.htm|title=THE 14TH BRIGADE IN THE LINE IN FLANDERS |first=Lawrence|last=Farrow|date=12 June 2003|access-date=26 January 2011}}</ref> He was retrospectively appointed temporary [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]] with effect from 29 December 1914 to 20 April 1915, inclusive,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29226|page=6810|date=9 July 1915|supp=y}}</ref>{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=286}} and again later the same year.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29474|page=1665|date=14 February 1916|supp=y}}</ref> |
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Roupell was aboard {{ship|TSS|The Queen||6}} when it was captured and sunk in the [[English Channel]] in October 1916.<ref name="TNA">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=176-esrp&cid=-1#-1 |
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He was retrospectively appointed temporary [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Captain]] 29 December 1914, to the 20 April 1915, inclusive<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29226|page=6810|date=9 July 1915|supp=y}}</ref> and again later the same year.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29474|page=1665|date=14 February 1916|supp=y}}</ref> |
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|title=ROUPELL, BRIGADIER GEORGE ROWLAND PATRICK (1892–1974) ESR/25/ROUP/ 1916–1992 |
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|access-date=24 January 2011}}</ref> He was appointed [[Acting rank|acting]] [[brigade major]] on 29 December 1917.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29915|page=913|date=23 January 1917|supp=y}}</ref> On 9 May 1918, he was seconded to the [[Staff (military)|general staff]] with the rank of temporary major.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30765|page=7543|date=5 June 1918|supp=y}}</ref> |
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Roupell was aboard {{ship|TSS|The Queen||6}} when it was captured and sunk in the [[English Channel|channel]] in October 1916.<ref name="TNA">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=176-esrp&cid=-1#-1 |
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|title=ROUPELL, BRIGADIER GEORGE ROWLAND PATRICK (1892–1974) ESR/25/ROUP/ 1916–1992 |
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|accessdate=24 January 2011}}</ref> |
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Roupell was promoted to acting brigade major on 29 December 1917.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29915|page=913|date=23 January 1917|supp=y}}</ref> On 9 May 1918 he was seconded to the [[Staff (military)|general staff]] at the rank of temporary major.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30765|page=7543|date=5 June 1918|supp=y}}</ref> |
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==Inter-war== |
==Inter-war== |
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Following the end of hostilities in Europe, |
Following the end of hostilities in Europe, Roupell, still an acting major,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31027|page=13877|date=22 November 1918|supp=y}}</ref> was promoted to acting lieutenant colonel in charge of a battalion from December 1918<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31260|page=4168|date=28 March 1919|supp=y}}</ref> to March 1919.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34725|page=7473|date=26 April 1921|supp=y}}</ref> His appointment to the general staff was confirmed on 1 July 1919.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31447|page=8798|date=8 July 1919|supp=y}}</ref> During this time he was attached to the allied force under [[Edmund Ironside, 1st Baron Ironside|Edmund Ironside]] and sent to support Tsarist Russians as part of the [[Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War]]. On a visit to a Tsarist unit, they [[mutiny|mutinied]] and Roupell and others were taken prisoner near [[Arkhangelsk]], sent to [[Moscow]], and finally repatriated in 1920.<ref name="QRScolonels"/>{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|p=70}} |
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During this time he was attached to the allied force under [[Edmund Ironside, 1st Baron Ironside|Edmund Ironside]] and sent to support Tsarist Russians as part of the [[Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War]]. On a visit to a Tsarist unit, they [[mutiny|mutinied]] and Roupell and others were taken prisoner near [[Arkhangelsk]], sent to [[Moscow]] and finally repatriated in 1920.<ref name="QRScolonels"/> |
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Early in 1921, Roupell married Doris P. Sant in [[Paddington]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=IMt3cBXiItsOzcqTpYe2Tg&scan=1|title=Index entry| |
Early in 1921, Roupell married Doris P. Sant in [[Paddington]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=IMt3cBXiItsOzcqTpYe2Tg&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=23 January 2011|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref> Daughter Phoebe and son Peter were born in 1922 and 1925, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=c1KoF6y1MP6qlxIICiDNGg&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=23 January 2011|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=u9X1agNfFZFkf5MK752crg&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=23 January 2011|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref>{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|p=71}} |
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Roupell's inter-war military career continued with |
Roupell's inter-war military career continued with appointments as staff captain (1921),<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=32317|page=3738|date=9 May 1921|supp=y}}</ref> brigade major (1926),<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33209|page=6440|date=8 October 1926}}</ref> and promotion to substantive major (1928).<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33451|page=8540|date=28 December 1928}}</ref> During the inter-war period, Roupell served in Gibraltar, the Regimental Depot, India and the Sudan and he attended the [[Staff College, Camberley]].<ref name="QRScolonels"/> As major (GSO2), Roupell spent two years from 1929 at the [[Royal Military College of Canada]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33479|page=1972|date=22 March 1929}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33711|page=2736|date=28 April 1931}}</ref> and in 1934 a year with the British troops in China.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34098|page=6711|date=23 October 1934}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34226|page=7671|date=3 December 1935}}</ref> Following his return, he was promoted to [[Lieutenant colonel (United Kingdom)|lieutenant colonel]] (1935).<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34233|page=8197|date=20 December 1935}}</ref>{{sfn|Batchelor|Matson|2011|pp=70-71}} |
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==Second World War== |
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During the inter-war period, Roupell served in Gibraltar, the Regimental Depot, India and the Sudan and he attended the [[Staff College, Camberley]].<ref name="QRScolonels"/> As major (GSO2), Roupell spent two years from 1929 at the [[Royal Military College of Canada]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33479|page=1972|date=22 March 1929}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33711|page=2736|date=28 April 1931}}</ref> |
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At the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], in September 1939, Roupell was promoted to [[Colonel (United Kingdom)|colonel]] and,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34725|page=7473|date=3 November 1939|supp=y}}</ref> made an acting [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|brigadier]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34751|page=8245|date=8 December 1939|supp=y}}</ref> placed in command of [[36th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|36th Infantry Brigade]] from 7 October 1939. Roupell's brigade was deployed as part of the [[12th (Eastern) Division|12th (Eastern) Infantry Division]] in April 1940 and became part of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF), taking part in the [[Battle of France]]. The German thrust near the [[Somme river]] towards [[Abbeville]] eventually cut off the BEF, northern French and Belgian forces from the rest of France. Roupell's brigade headquarters near [[Doullens]] was attacked by enemy troops and on being told of the threat Roupell is reported to have exclaimed: |
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and in 1934 a year with the British troops in China.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34098|page=6711|date=23 October 1934}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34226|page=7671|date=3 December 1935}}</ref> Following his return, he was promoted to [[Lieutenant Colonel (United Kingdom)|lieutenant colonel]] (1935).<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34233|page=8197|date=20 December 1935}}</ref> |
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{{Quote|Never mind the Germans. I'm just going to finish my cup of tea.<ref>{{cite book|title=Dunkirk, Fight to the Last Man|first=Hugh|last=Sebag-Montefiore|date=1 June 2006|edition=1|publisher=[[Viking Press|Viking]]|pages=720|isbn=978-0-670-91082-3}}</ref>}} |
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==World War II== |
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At the outbreak of the [[World War II|Second World War]], in September 1939, Roupell was promoted to [[Colonel (United Kingdom)|colonel]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34725|page=7473|date=3 November 1939|supp=y}}</ref> and, promoted to [[Acting (rank)|acting]] [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|brigadier]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34751|page=8245|date=8 December 1939|supp=y}}</ref> placed in command of [[36th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|36th Infantry Brigade]] from 7 October 1939. |
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When the brigade headquarters was overrun on 20 May 1940, Roupell gave the order for the survivors to split up into small groups and endeavour to re-contact Allied troops. Roupell, with a captain and French interpreter, avoided capture, hiding by day and walking at night for over a month. They arrived at a farm near [[Rouen]] where the two officers remained for almost two years, working as labourers. With the help of the [[French Resistance]] they were moved through unoccupied France into [[Spain during World War II|non-belligerent Spain]], finally boarding ship in [[Gibraltar]] and returning to the United Kingdom.{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=288}} |
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|work=Orders of Battle.com – Second World War Military Unit Database |accessdate=28 January 2011}}</ref> He was appointed as garrison commander at [[Chatham, Kent|Chatham]], where he remained until retirement.<ref name="QRScolonels"/> |
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Following his return he was appointed commanding officer of the [[114th Brigade (United Kingdom)|114th Infantry Brigade]], part of the [[38th (Welsh) Infantry Division]], on 18 March 1943, a command he held until 2 November that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/PersonData.aspx?PerX=1336&Tab=App |title=Orders of Battle – Unit Commander and/or Staff Officer Details |work=Orders of Battle.com – Second World War Military Unit Database |access-date=28 January 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The brigade was not destined to see battle, however, and he was soon appointed as garrison commander at [[Chatham, Kent|Chatham]], where he remained until retirement.<ref name="QRScolonels"/>{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=288}} |
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==Post-War== |
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In 1946 Roupell was formally retired from the army on retirement pay and granted the honorary rank of brigadier. |
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<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37471|page=391|date=15 February 1946|supp=y}}</ref> and, at the age of 58, excused from the reserve list of officers in 1950.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=38903|page=2234|date=5 May 1950|supp=y}}</ref> |
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==Post-war== |
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He was appointed a [[Deputy Lieutenant]] of Surrey in 1953.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} |
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In 1946 Roupell was formally retired from the army on retirement pay and granted the honorary rank of brigadier.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37471|page=391|date=15 February 1946|supp=y}}</ref> and, at the age of 58, excused from the reserve list of officers in 1950.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=38903|page=2234|date=5 May 1950|supp=y}}</ref> He was appointed a [[Deputy lieutenant]] of Surrey in 1953.{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=288}} |
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In 1954 Roupell was appointed Colonel of the East Surreys, succeeding Lieutenant General [[Arthur Dowler]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=40221|page=3882|date=15 February 1954|supp=y}}</ref> and was to be the last Colonel of the [[East Surrey Regiment]], relinquishing office in 1959 when amalgamation with the [[Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)]] took place to form the [[Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]].<ref> |
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{{London Gazette|issue=41839|page=6418|date=9 October 1959|supp=y}}</ref> He was appointed a [[Companion of the Order of the Bath]] in 1956.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=40787|page=3101|date=25 May 1956|supp=y}}</ref>{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=288}} |
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George Roupell died in [[Shalford, Surrey]], on 4 March 1974, at the age of 81. His body was cremated at Guildford Crematorium,.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memorialstovalour.co.uk/vc583.html|title=VC583:George Roupall|work=Memorials to Valour website|access-date=7 November 2019}}</ref> where his ashes were scattered.{{sfn|Oldfield|2014|p=288}} |
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In 1954 he was appointed Colonel of the Surreys, succeeding [[Arthur Dowler]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=40221|page=3882|date=15 February 1954|supp=y}}</ref> and was to be the last Colonel of The East Surrey Regiment, relinquishing office in 1959 when amalgamation with The Queen's Royal Regiment took place to form the [[Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]].<ref> |
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{{London Gazette|issue=41839|page=6418|date=9 October 1959|supp=y}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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George Roupell died in [[Shalford, Surrey]], on 4 March 1974 (aged 82). His grave is located at Guildford Crematorium. |
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{{Reflist}} |
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== |
==Bibliography== |
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{{ |
{{Refbegin}} |
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*{{cite book|last1=Batchelor|first1=Peter|last2=Matson|first2=Christopher|title=The Western Front 1915|series=[[VCs of the First World War]]|year=2011|publisher=[[The History Press]]|location=[[Stroud]], [[Gloucestershire]]|isbn=978-0-7524-6057-4}} |
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'''Listed in order of publication year ''' |
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*{{cite book|year=1997|title=The Register of the Victoria Cross|editor-last=Buzzell|editor-first=Nora|location=[[Cheltenham]], [[Gloucestershire]]|publisher=This England Alma House|isbn=0-906324-27-0}} |
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* {{cite book |
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*{{cite book|last=Oldfield|first=Paul|title=Victoria Crosses on the Western Front August 1914–April 1915: Mons to Hill 60|publisher=[[Pen and Sword Books]]|year=2014|isbn=978-1783030439}} |
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|first=Nora |
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{{Refend}} |
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|last=Buzzell |
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|title=[[The Register of the Victoria Cross]] |
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|date=1997 |
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|edition=3 |
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|publisher=[[This England (magazine)|This England]] |
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|pages=352 |
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|isbn=0-906324-27-0 |
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}} (First published 1981. Republished 1988 and 1997.) |
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* {{cite journal|first=Brian D. H.|last=Clarke|title=A register of awards to Irish-born officers and men|journal=[[The Irish Sword]]|volume=XVI|issue=64|pages=185–287|year=1986}} |
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* {{cite book |
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|title=[[Ireland's VCs]] |
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|date=1995 |
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|isbn=1-899243-00-3 |
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|publisher=Dept of Economic Development |
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}} |
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* {{cite book |
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|title=[[Monuments to Courage]] |
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|first=David |
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|last=Harvey |
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|date=1999 |
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}} |
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* {{cite book |
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|title=[[VCs of the First World War - The Western Front 1915]] |
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|first1=Peter F. |
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|last1=Batchelor |
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|first2=Christopher |
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|last2=Matson |
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|date=1999 |
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}} |
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*{{cite book |
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|title=[[Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross]] |
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|first1=Richard |
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|last1=Doherty |
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|first2=David |
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|last2=Truesdale |
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|date=2000 |
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}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041204085907/http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/surrey.htm Location of grave and VC medal] ''(Surrey)'' |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041204085907/http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/surrey.htm Location of grave and VC medal] ''(Surrey)'' |
||
*[http://www.ordersofbattle.com/PersonData.aspx?PerX=1336&Tab=App Brig Roupell service record at OrdersofBattle.com] |
*[http://www.ordersofbattle.com/PersonData.aspx?PerX=1336&Tab=App Brig Roupell service record at OrdersofBattle.com]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} |
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* [http://www.webmatters.net/belgium/ww1_hill60_01.htm Ieper: The Second Battle of Ypres April 1915] Account of events at Hill 60 |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110618094143/http://www.webmatters.net/belgium/ww1_hill60_01.htm Ieper: The Second Battle of Ypres April 1915] Account of events at Hill 60 |
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*[https://generals.dk/general/Roupell/George_Rowland_Patrick/Great_Britain.html Generals of World War II] |
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{{s-start}} |
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{{s-hon}} |
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{{s-bef|before=[[Arthur Dowler|Sir Arthur Dowler]]}} |
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{{s-ttl|title=[[East Surrey Regiment|Colonel of the East Surrey Regiment]]|years=1954–1959}} |
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{{s-non|reason=''Regiment consolidated to form the [[Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment]]''}} |
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{{s-end}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Roupell, George |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roupell, George}} |
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[[Category:1892 births]] |
[[Category:1892 births]] |
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[[Category:1974 deaths]] |
[[Category:1974 deaths]] |
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[[Category:Military personnel from County Tipperary]] |
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[[Category:Irish officers in the British Army]] |
[[Category:Irish officers in the British Army]] |
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[[Category:People from |
[[Category:People from Tipperary (town)]] |
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[[Category:East Surrey Regiment officers]] |
[[Category:East Surrey Regiment officers]] |
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[[Category:British Army personnel of World War I]] |
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War I]] |
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[[Category:British Army |
[[Category:British Army brigadiers of World War II]] |
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[[Category:Companions of the Order of the Bath]] |
[[Category:Companions of the Order of the Bath]] |
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[[Category:People educated at Rossall School]] |
[[Category:People educated at Rossall School]] |
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[[Category:Recipients of the Croix de |
[[Category:Recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 (France)]] |
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[[Category:Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey]] |
[[Category:Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey]] |
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[[Category:Recipients of the Order of St. George of the |
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of St. George of the Fourth Degree]] |
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[[Category:Irish World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross]] |
[[Category:Irish World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross]] |
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[[Category:British Army personnel of the Russian Civil War]] |
[[Category:British Army personnel of the Russian Civil War]] |
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[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst]] |
[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst]] |
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[[Category:Royal Military College of Canada |
[[Category:Academic staff of the Royal Military College of Canada]] |
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[[Category:British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross]] |
[[Category:British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross]] |
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[[Category:Graduates of the Staff College, Camberley]] |
[[Category:Graduates of the Staff College, Camberley]] |
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Latest revision as of 06:49, 29 May 2024
George Roupell | |
|---|---|
 Lieutenant Roupell from The War Illustrated, 10 July 1915 | |
| Born | 7 April 1892 Tipperary, County Tipperary, Ireland[1] |
| Died | 4 March 1974 (aged 81) Shalford, Surrey, England |
| Buried | Guildford Crematorium, Surrey, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | British Army |
| Years of service | 1912–1946 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | 5360 |
| Unit | East Surrey Regiment |
| Commands held | 114th Infantry Brigade (1943) 36th Infantry Brigade (1939–40) 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment (1935–39) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Russian Civil War Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches Order of St George, 4th Class (Russia) Croix de Guerre (France) |
Brigadier George Rowland Patrick Roupell, VC, CB, DL (7 April 1892 – 4 March 1974) was a senior officer in the British Army and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Early life and military career
[edit]George Roupell was born into a military family; his father, Francis Frederick Fyler Roupell, having served with the British Army in the 70th Regiment and commanded the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment from 1895 to 1899,[2][3] and was promoted to colonel in 1901.[4] George's father had married Edith Maria Bryden at Kingston in 1887.[5]
Roupell was educated at Rossall School[6] and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the East Surrey Regiment, his father's regiment, on 2 March 1912[7] and was appointed a lieutenant on 29 April 1914, shortly before the outbreak of the First World War.[8][9][6][10]
First World War
[edit]At the outbreak of war in the summer of 1914, the 1st Battalion the East Surreys were deployed as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) into northern Belgium. Roupell commanded a platoon in the BEF's first major action, the Battle of Mons, in August 1914. Roupell kept a diary throughout the war, which has since been a, sometimes humorous, source of insight and observation on the events that he witnessed and participated in. In the trenches at Mons he recounted how he had to hit his men on the backside with his sword in order to gain their attention and remind them to fire low as they had been taught.[11]
Soon after, following the retreat from Mons in September 1914, Roupell led his platoon in the first Battle of the Aisne.[10] Once again, he came under heavy fire, this time while crossing the Aisne on a raft. The Surreys' advance was pushed back with heavy casualties.[12]
Early the following year, during the continued fighting around Ypres, Roupell was 23 years old when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).[13] His citation reads:
For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 20 April 1915, when he was commanding a company of his battalion in a front trench on "Hill 60," which was subjected to a most severe bombardment throughout the day. Though wounded in several places, he remained at his post and led his company in repelling a strong German assault. During a lull in the bombardment he had his wounds hurriedly dressed, and then insisted in returning to his trench, which was again being subjected to severe bombardment. Towards evening, his company being dangerously weakened, he went back to his battalion headquarters, represented the situation to his commanding officer, and brought up reinforcements, passing backwards and forwards over ground swept by heavy fire. With these reinforcements he held his position throughout the night, and until his battalion was relieved next morning. This young officer was one of the few survivors of his company, and showed a magnificent example of courage, devotion and tenacity, which undoubtedly inspired his men to hold out till the end.[14]
Roupell was presented with his VC by King George V on 12 July 1915.[15][16] In addition to his Victoria Cross, he was awarded the Russian Order of St George (4th Class) and the French Croix de Guerre,[17][3] and was Mentioned in Despatches.[18] He was retrospectively appointed temporary captain with effect from 29 December 1914 to 20 April 1915, inclusive,[19][6] and again later the same year.[20]
Roupell was aboard TSS The Queen when it was captured and sunk in the English Channel in October 1916.[21] He was appointed acting brigade major on 29 December 1917.[22] On 9 May 1918, he was seconded to the general staff with the rank of temporary major.[23]
Inter-war
[edit]Following the end of hostilities in Europe, Roupell, still an acting major,[24] was promoted to acting lieutenant colonel in charge of a battalion from December 1918[25] to March 1919.[26] His appointment to the general staff was confirmed on 1 July 1919.[27] During this time he was attached to the allied force under Edmund Ironside and sent to support Tsarist Russians as part of the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. On a visit to a Tsarist unit, they mutinied and Roupell and others were taken prisoner near Arkhangelsk, sent to Moscow, and finally repatriated in 1920.[3][10]
Early in 1921, Roupell married Doris P. Sant in Paddington.[28] Daughter Phoebe and son Peter were born in 1922 and 1925, respectively.[29][30][31]
Roupell's inter-war military career continued with appointments as staff captain (1921),[32] brigade major (1926),[33] and promotion to substantive major (1928).[34] During the inter-war period, Roupell served in Gibraltar, the Regimental Depot, India and the Sudan and he attended the Staff College, Camberley.[3] As major (GSO2), Roupell spent two years from 1929 at the Royal Military College of Canada,[35][36] and in 1934 a year with the British troops in China.[37][38] Following his return, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel (1935).[39][40]
Second World War
[edit]At the outbreak of the Second World War, in September 1939, Roupell was promoted to colonel and,[41] made an acting brigadier,[42] placed in command of 36th Infantry Brigade from 7 October 1939. Roupell's brigade was deployed as part of the 12th (Eastern) Infantry Division in April 1940 and became part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), taking part in the Battle of France. The German thrust near the Somme river towards Abbeville eventually cut off the BEF, northern French and Belgian forces from the rest of France. Roupell's brigade headquarters near Doullens was attacked by enemy troops and on being told of the threat Roupell is reported to have exclaimed:
Never mind the Germans. I'm just going to finish my cup of tea.[43]
When the brigade headquarters was overrun on 20 May 1940, Roupell gave the order for the survivors to split up into small groups and endeavour to re-contact Allied troops. Roupell, with a captain and French interpreter, avoided capture, hiding by day and walking at night for over a month. They arrived at a farm near Rouen where the two officers remained for almost two years, working as labourers. With the help of the French Resistance they were moved through unoccupied France into non-belligerent Spain, finally boarding ship in Gibraltar and returning to the United Kingdom.[44]
Following his return he was appointed commanding officer of the 114th Infantry Brigade, part of the 38th (Welsh) Infantry Division, on 18 March 1943, a command he held until 2 November that year.[45] The brigade was not destined to see battle, however, and he was soon appointed as garrison commander at Chatham, where he remained until retirement.[3][44]
Post-war
[edit]In 1946 Roupell was formally retired from the army on retirement pay and granted the honorary rank of brigadier.[46] and, at the age of 58, excused from the reserve list of officers in 1950.[47] He was appointed a Deputy lieutenant of Surrey in 1953.[44]
In 1954 Roupell was appointed Colonel of the East Surreys, succeeding Lieutenant General Arthur Dowler,[48] and was to be the last Colonel of the East Surrey Regiment, relinquishing office in 1959 when amalgamation with the Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) took place to form the Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment.[49] He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1956.[50][44]
George Roupell died in Shalford, Surrey, on 4 March 1974, at the age of 81. His body was cremated at Guildford Crematorium,.[51] where his ashes were scattered.[44]
References
[edit]- ^ Buzzell 1997, p. 278.
- ^ "No. 27092". The London Gazette. 23 June 1899. p. 3942.
- ^ a b c d e "Brigadier G R P Roupell VC CB DL 1954–1959". The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Oldfield 2014, pp. 285–286.
- ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
- ^ a b c Oldfield 2014, p. 286.
- ^ "No. 28586". The London Gazette. 1 March 1912. p. 1561.
- ^ "No. 28836". The London Gazette. 1 June 1914. p. 4381.
- ^ "No. 28851". The London Gazette. 21 July 1914. p. 5661.
- ^ a b c Batchelor & Matson 2011, p. 70.
- ^ Ascoli, David (30 July 2001). The Mons Star. Birlinn. ISBN 978-1-84158-127-9.
- ^ Gilbert, Adrian (2 November 2010). "Battle of the Aisne – Assault". Challenge of Battle: The real story of the British Army in 1914. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
- ^ Batchelor & Matson 2011, pp. 66–69.
- ^ "No. 29202". The London Gazette (Supplement). 22 June 1915. p. 6115.
- ^ "Brigadier George Rowland Patrick Roupell VC". Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Batchelor & Matson 2011, p. 69.
- ^ "No. 29275". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 August 1915. p. 8504.
- ^ Farrow, Lawrence (12 June 2003). "THE 14TH BRIGADE IN THE LINE IN FLANDERS". Retrieved 26 January 2011.
- ^ "No. 29226". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 July 1915. p. 6810.
- ^ "No. 29474". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 February 1916. p. 1665.
- ^ "ROUPELL, BRIGADIER GEORGE ROWLAND PATRICK (1892–1974) ESR/25/ROUP/ 1916–1992". Retrieved 24 January 2011.
- ^ "No. 29915". The London Gazette (Supplement). 23 January 1917. p. 913.
- ^ "No. 30765". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 June 1918. p. 7543.
- ^ "No. 31027". The London Gazette (Supplement). 22 November 1918. p. 13877.
- ^ "No. 31260". The London Gazette (Supplement). 28 March 1919. p. 4168.
- ^ "No. 34725". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 April 1921. p. 7473.
- ^ "No. 31447". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 July 1919. p. 8798.
- ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ Batchelor & Matson 2011, p. 71.
- ^ "No. 32317". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 May 1921. p. 3738.
- ^ "No. 33209". The London Gazette. 8 October 1926. p. 6440.
- ^ "No. 33451". The London Gazette. 28 December 1928. p. 8540.
- ^ "No. 33479". The London Gazette. 22 March 1929. p. 1972.
- ^ "No. 33711". The London Gazette. 28 April 1931. p. 2736.
- ^ "No. 34098". The London Gazette. 23 October 1934. p. 6711.
- ^ "No. 34226". The London Gazette. 3 December 1935. p. 7671.
- ^ "No. 34233". The London Gazette. 20 December 1935. p. 8197.
- ^ Batchelor & Matson 2011, pp. 70–71.
- ^ "No. 34725". The London Gazette (Supplement). 3 November 1939. p. 7473.
- ^ "No. 34751". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 December 1939. p. 8245.
- ^ Sebag-Montefiore, Hugh (1 June 2006). Dunkirk, Fight to the Last Man (1 ed.). Viking. p. 720. ISBN 978-0-670-91082-3.
- ^ a b c d e Oldfield 2014, p. 288.
- ^ "Orders of Battle – Unit Commander and/or Staff Officer Details". Orders of Battle.com – Second World War Military Unit Database. Retrieved 28 January 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "No. 37471". The London Gazette (Supplement). 15 February 1946. p. 391.
- ^ "No. 38903". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 May 1950. p. 2234.
- ^ "No. 40221". The London Gazette (Supplement). 15 February 1954. p. 3882.
- ^ "No. 41839". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 October 1959. p. 6418.
- ^ "No. 40787". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 May 1956. p. 3101.
- ^ "VC583:George Roupall". Memorials to Valour website. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
Bibliography
[edit]- Batchelor, Peter; Matson, Christopher (2011). The Western Front 1915. VCs of the First World War. Stroud, Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-6057-4.
- Buzzell, Nora, ed. (1997). The Register of the Victoria Cross. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: This England Alma House. ISBN 0-906324-27-0.
- Oldfield, Paul (2014). Victoria Crosses on the Western Front August 1914–April 1915: Mons to Hill 60. Pen and Sword Books. ISBN 978-1783030439.
External links
[edit]- Location of grave and VC medal (Surrey)
- Brig Roupell service record at OrdersofBattle.com[permanent dead link]
- Ieper: The Second Battle of Ypres April 1915 Account of events at Hill 60
- Generals of World War II
Categories:
- 1892 births
- 1974 deaths
- Military personnel from County Tipperary
- Irish officers in the British Army
- People from Tipperary (town)
- East Surrey Regiment officers
- British Army personnel of World War I
- British Army brigadiers of World War II
- Companions of the Order of the Bath
- People educated at Rossall School
- Recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 (France)
- Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey
- Recipients of the Order of St. George of the Fourth Degree
- Irish World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross
- British Army personnel of the Russian Civil War
- Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst
- Academic staff of the Royal Military College of Canada
- British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross
- Graduates of the Staff College, Camberley