Arthur Estcourt

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Arthur Charles Sotheron Estcourt MC (26 September 1893–18 August 1918) was a British soldier of the First World War.

[edit] Early life

The son of the Reverend E. W. S. Estcourt, of Swindon, Wiltshire, and a nephew of George Sotheron-Estcourt, 1st Baron Estcourt, Estcourt was educated at Gresham's School, Holt, from 1907 to 1912 and at Magdalene College, Cambridge, from 1912 to 1913.[1] [2]

His brother, Walter Bucknall Estcourt, served as an officer in the East Africa Corps.

[edit] Military career

Estcourt was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the New Armies on 17 November 1914, then as a temporary second lieutenant of the Wiltshire Regiment and later of the Gloucestershire Regiment.

In September 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross, the London Gazette report reading:[3]

“ Temp. 2nd Lt (Temp Lt) Arthur Charles Sotheron Estcourt. Glou. R. :- for Conspicuous Gallantry in action. He fought his battery with great effect under very heavy fire during the attack, dispersing many enemy bombing parties. He also knocked out a machine gun which was holding up the advance of one of our bombing parties. ”

He was promoted Acting Captain in the Trench Mortar Battery on 16 February 1917.[4][5] He then became a Lieutenant (Observer) in the Royal Air Force.[6] Twice wounded, he was killed in action on 8 August 1918.[1][2][7]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Carey, Gordon Vero, The War List of the University of Cambridge, 1914-1918 (Cambridge, 1920)
  2. ^ a b Lidell, Charles Lawrence Scruton & Douglas, A. B., History and Register of Gresham's School, 1555-1955 (Ipswich, 1955)
  3. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette dated 26 September 1916
  4. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette dated 5 April 1917, at page 3312: "The under mentioned to be acting Capts. Whilst commanding - Trench Mortar Batts: Temp 2nd Lt A.C. Estcourt 16th February 1917.
  5. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette dated 10 December 1917, at page 12880: "The under mentioned relinquish the acting Rank of Capt.:- Temp 2nd Lt A.C.S. Estcourt, on ceasing to Command a trench mortar Batt 22nd Aug 1917.
  6. ^ The London Gazette dated 2 July 1918 Page 7773: "The under mentioned 2nd Lts (Late Gen. List. R.F.C. on Prob) are confirmed in their rank as 2nd Lts, Observer Officers:- 11 June 1918: A.C. Estcourt, M.C. (Temp. 2nd Lt Gen. List new armies) 12 June 1918.
  7. ^ Smart, Sue, When Heroes Die (Breedon Books, 2001) ISBN 1-85983-256-3
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