Robert Patrick Neville, MC

Forename(s):
Robert Patrick

Surname:
Neville, MC

Initial(s):
R P

Service Number:
Officer

Rank:
Captain

Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1/7th Battalion Territorial Force

Died:
27/10/1917

Buried:
Solferino Farm Cemetery

Service History:
Died of wounds received.

Awarded the Military Cross.

There appears to have been no citation, as such, rather Neville was gazetted in the 1917 King's Birthday Honours. Such awards, & those in the New Year Honours, tended to be for general good service, rather than a specific act of gallantry. He was listed as 'Qr.-Mr. & Hon. Lt.' (i.e., Quarter Master & Honorary Lieutenant), so he was responsible for the battalion's logistics rather than being primarily a combatant officer. Until 1911 Neville had been Colour Sergeant (& acting Sergeant Major) in the same battalion - Quartermasters tended to be commissioned from the ranks.

'The War History of 7th Northumberland Fusiliers' (via public libraries in Northumberland) Biographical Notices records - 'For his able, gallant, & distinguished services, Mr Neville was awarded the MC, & later promoted to the rank of Captain; honours which were a source of gratification to all members of the battalion. It was a heavy blow to all, when, by the explosion of a bomb dropped by an enemy aeroplane, his beloved battalion & his country were deprived of the life & services of so true a gentleman & so gallant a soldier.'
(Source: 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/)

Background:
Unknown

Local Memorial:
Alnwick War Memorial