A Third Battle of Ypres casualty Victory Medal awarded to Private H. Greaves, 18th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps who was killed in action on 19th September 1917 and having no known grave is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Victory Medal; (A-201848 PTE. H. GREAVES. K.R.RIF.C.)
Condition: Good Very Fine
Henry Greaves was born in Sheffield and resided in Walworth, Surrey. He tried twice to join the Army but was twice rejected due to being twice rejected due to being medically unfit but he eventually passed and joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 1st March 1917. In September he would find himself in the fighting at Ypres at Ridge Wood. On the 19th September 1917 at 1am ‘D’ Company took over Boomin Copse. At 5-5.30am A Company was heavily shelled at Mount Sorrell with several casualties. At 11am there was a practice barrage which the enemy did some slight retaliation. At 8pm Mt. Sorrel heavily shelled. Attached Platoon of C + D Company received rations + water. At 8.30pm tape was set out along the way to the assembly area. At 9.30pm heavy rain until 11pm. At 10pm assembly commenced. During this say the battalion lost 5 men including Henry. It’s likely he was killed from shell fire. His commanding officer Second Lieutenant Math wrote ‘He was a thorough and competent soldier and did his duty well’.
Having no known grave, Henry Greaves, 18th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
