Lieutenant (Acting Captain), Raymond Evelyn HEAD (M.C. and Bar)
Aged 34
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Raymond Evelyn HEAD was born in Balsham (Linton Q1-1884 3B:527), baptised in Balsham on 27th January 1884, son of Dr. Robert Turner and Emma Isabella HEAD (née MORRISON).
1891 census...Aged 7, he was at Registrar, High Street, Balsham with his father Robert HEAD [56] medical officer/surgeon/registrar, born East Grinstead, Sussex; his mother Emma Isabella [51] born Reigate, Surrey; sister Kathleen Isabella [18] and brother Bryan William [17] both born East Grinstead, Sussex. 1901 census...Aged 17, he was a student, boarding at College House, North Parade, Lowestoft 1911 census...He is not identified in this census, however a Raymond E HEAD sailed from Liverpool to Calcutta on the SS 'City of York' on 3rd December 1908, which could possibly be him. His parents were at Oxen Street, West Wratting with his sister Kathleen Mary. His father died in 1913 He married Margaret Lloyd Williamson [26] on 20th November 1915 at St Mary's, Kensington, later of 43 Mildred Avenue, Watford. At probate the address was 15 Matheson Road, West Kensington. His brother Bryan Morrison HEAD, aged 26, was killed in the Boer War at Nooitgeacht in 1900, a Sergeant,serving with Kitchener's Horse - see here A plaque in the church reads:- Sgt. Brian Morrison Head, son of Dr R. T. Head who fell in action at Nooitgedacht, 1900, aged 26, while fighting with Kitchener's Horse in the Boer War, his friends pos., mur., e. |
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Gazetted 30/11/1914 to be temporary 2nd Lieutenant w.e.f.1st December 1914. Gazetted 6/9/1915 from temp 2nd Lt, 3rd (Prince of Wales' Dragoon Guards) to be 2nd Lieutenant Dated 7 Sept 1915, seniority as from 1st December 1914. Gazetted 24/6/1916 Military Cross - 2nd Lt Sec.Res Liverpool Regiment (attd 1st Battn) Gazetted 27/7/1916 Military Cross - 2nd Lt Raymond Evelyn HEAD, Spec Res Liverpool Regt (attd 1st Battn):- For conspicuous gallantry when leading his bombing party in an attack on the enemy's trenches. When unable to proceed farther (sic) he made three blocks in the enemy's trench, and held his position under heavy fire until ordered to retire. Though wounded early in the attack he refused to leave his party. Gazetted 7th November 1918 Military Cross - Lieut (A.Capt) Raymond Evelyn Head M.C., Liverpool Regiment:- For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership in a raid. For two nights previously he reconnoitred the ground at great personal risk, selecting routes and assembly positions. In the raid itself he led his men splendidly in the assault and set a fine example as a company commander. He died in Tooting Military Hospital. He is recorded at death in the 3rd battalion, which was the home battalion, this would be by virtue of his being back in UK in hospital. Where and when he was wounded has not yet been found. The war diary for that period is also elusive at present.
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
