Died aged 24. 24 Feb 1886 – 26 Aug 1914.Private 7362, 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry (11th Infantry Brigade 4th Division).
Prior to Rupert’s birth, his family are recorded in the 1881 census as living at 8 Harmony Row, Taunton St James, Somerset. At that time, his family consisted of his parents John (39, a coach painter) and Eliza (33), their household included their children William F (16, a chemists apprentice), Florence (12), Frederick G (10) Reginald J (7), Kate (4), Harry (3), and Vera (1). It was into this household that Rupert was born on the 24th February 1886 in the family home at 8 Harmony Row.
The 1891 census finds Rupert aged 5, living in Tancred Street, Taunton, with parents John (46, a coach painter) and Eliza (43), and siblings Frederick E (20, Tobacconist Assistant), Katie M (14), Harry A (12, Brewers Office Boy), Vera (10), Bertie (9), Lionel (8, Scholar & Newspaper Vendor), Kennerick (6), Ernest (3) and Wilfred C (2).
In the 1901 census Rupert is aged 15, working as a tailor, and living in Tancred Street Harmony Row Taunton with his mother Eliza (53), and siblings Kate M (24, a Chemist’s Assistant), Harry (21, a Shorthand Typist), Vera (20, a Dressmaker), Kennerick (16, an Implement Smith), Ernest (13) and Wilfred (12).
The 1911 census shows us that Rupert, aged 25, had joined the army and was living Verne Citadel, Verne Portland, Dorset, a Private with the 1 St Battalion Somersetshire L I. His parents John (71, a coach painter) & Eliza (64) were living at The Ball, Castle View, Dunster, with their daughter Vera (30, a dressmaker). John & Eliza had had 15 children, 4 had died. Rupert’s father John died and was buried in Dunster on 18 Mar 1912.
Rupert enlisted in Taunton; I am not sure whether this was his original enlistment or a re-enlistment. Anyone who went to war in August 1914 with one of the first units to France was most likely already either a regular or a territorial. On mobilisation all Reservists were recalled and would have re-joined the Regiment in time to sail with them.
Britain joined the Great War on the 4th of August 1914; the 1st Battalion was stationed at Colchester as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Division when war was declared, and embarked for France with the 11th Brigade, 4th division of the BEF on 21st August 1914. The battalion fought on the Western Front for the duration of the conflict. It was the first Somerset Regiment to be selected for active service and within days from the declaration of war the battalion was mobilised. In just two weeks the battalion was in France on the Western Front, where they would remain for the duration of the war. Forming part of the British Expeditionary Force the 1st battalion was soon confronting the enemy during the battle for Le Cateau, before becoming embroiled in the retreat from Mons. Early October saw the 1st battalion entering the trenches for the first time; they took a position in Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, where they remained for the winter.
Just five days after arriving in France, Rupert (aged 25) was killed in action on 26 Aug 1914, the first day of the Battle of Le Cateau, after the British and French retreated from the Battle of Mons had set up defensive positions in a fighting withdrawal against the German advance at Le Cateau-Cambrésis. The Germans one the battle, but the successful retreat allowed the majority of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to escape to Saint-Quentin.
Rupert is buried in Fontaine-Au-Pire Communal Cemetery, in Cambrai, Nord, France. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 53. He is commemorated on the plaques in St George’s Church and on the Memorial Hall in Dunster, and also on the war memorial in Vivary Park, Taunton.
