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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 333

The 'Battalion of Passchendaele 1917' D.S.O, M.C. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel R. A. Rochford, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, late Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and Grenadier Guards, awarded a field commission in 1915 he served with distinction, losing an arm in the same action which won him the D.S.O. he remarkably continued to serve and was responsible for the defence of Avonmouth docks and Filton Aerodrome during the Second World War

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R. silver-gilt and enamel; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914 Star, with clasp (13664 Sjt: R. A. Rochfort. 1/G.Gds:); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. R. A. Rochfort.), with M.I.D. oak leaves; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (6)

D.S.O. London Gazette 15 April 1915, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the Battalion, on its way up to the line, was heavily bombarded with gas and other shells and was in danger of losing its way in the gas masks in the darkness, he placed himself at the head and guided it to its forming -up place in time. Although severely wounded the following day while leading his men, he remained with them for nearly two hours, until forced to desist through sheer exhaustion. He showed splendid determination and resource.'

M.C. London Gazette 17 April 1917.

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 June 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1918.

Richard Adair Rochfort, whose middle name is sometimes spelled Adare, was born at Dulwich in December 1880, the son of Marcus and Mary Rochfort. His father was a mining engineer in India and returned to Britian just prior to his son's birth, settling at Roslwyn, Lewisham. He himself was married at Forest Hill, Lewisham in 1907, his career listed as farmer.

Rochfort entered the war in France on 6 October 1914 with the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards in the rank of Serjeant. Detached to serve with the Army Cycling Corps, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 15 April 1915 with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Further advanced Captain on 12 October 1915 Rochfort was later transferred again to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and began to serve attached to the 6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment.

Rochfort was attached to that Regiment when he was awarded his M.C., so it is likely that he joined them at some stage in 1916. They saw action during the taking of the Schwaben Redoubt from 25-27 September before leaving the line over Christmas 1916. Leaving their billets for action in early 1917 they were heavily involved in the Battle of Boom Ravine from 17-18 February, and it was likely for one of these two actions that Rochfort was awarded the M.C.

Remaining with the Regiment he was still with them at the opening of the Third Battle of Ypres. They were severely mauled attacking Sanctuary Wood, and during the course of that action one member of the unit, Medical Officer Harold Akroyd, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Their final engagement was at Poelcappelle, starting on 9 October, during which the C.O. Lieutenant-Colonel Longhurst was killed in action. Rochfort succeeded in leading the Battalion into action two days later however his wounds were severe enough his arm was had to be amputated.

Despite this injury he remained in service until the end of the war. He was accused of passing a bad cheque in 1923 while Adjutant of the London Regiment, but was subsequently acquitted of the crime. His obituary in the Eastbourne Gazette gives further details to his career stating:

'Col. Rochfort, who served with the Grenadier Guards, was responsible for the defence of the Avonmouth docks and Filton aerodrome during the last war.'

It goes on to note that Rochfort retired at the end of the Second World War and died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley on 23 July 1954; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£1,200 to £1,600

Starting price
£950