Arthur Estcourt

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

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.Carey, Gordon Vero, "The War List of the University of Cambridge, 1914-1918" (Cambridge, 1920)] Lidell, Charles Lawrence Scruton & Douglas, A. B., "History and Register of Gresham's School, 1555-1955" (Ipswich, 1955)]

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

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: [Supplement to the "London Gazette" dated 26 September 1916] cquote|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. [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.] [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.] He then became a Lieutenant (Observer) in the Royal Air Force. [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.] Twice wounded, he was killed in action on 8 August 1918. [Smart, Sue, "When Heroes Die" (Breedon Books, 2001) ISBN 1-85983-256-3]

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