BRINKMAN William John 2/Lt

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Surname: BRINKMAN;

Forename(s): William John;

Initials: WJ;

Rank: 2/Lt;

Born in: Dorking, Surrey;

Previous Number: 2362;

Previous Battalion: 24 of;

Previous Regiment: R Fus;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 18 Bn;

Date abroad: 15-Nov-1915;

Theatre of War: 1;

Awarded: MC, bar to MC;

Gallantry Notes: MC: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In order to better observation he frequently exposed himself under heavy machine gun and rifle fire and with his guns, inflicted heavy losses on the advancing enemy. His courage and cheerfulness greatly encouraged his men.

Bar to MC Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations on 29/30 September 1918. In the attack at Vendhuile he went well ahead of the infantry with his four guns and by doing so was responsible for enfilading a number of the enemy and allowing the infantry to advance on his left. No enemy in this area escaped. Owing to his fine work in pushing his guns so far in advance of the infantry and placing a barrage behind their position over sixty prisoners were taken.;

Other Data: Portrait: EmmaGee Winter 2000
See also 104554 Pte WJ Brinkman
See Narrative ofOperations 21-28/3/1918 in War Diary of 18 Bn (p6)(two mentions)
MC confirmed in War Diary (Appdx 26)

Lieutenant W.J.Brinkman M.C.
Born at Coldharbour Road, Dorking, Surrey, on 1st.February 1891; the son of Henry Brinkmann, Merchant, by his wife Adelheid (nee Arnold).
The birth was registered on 13th.Feb. 1891 by Geo. Alloway, Registrar of the Sub-District of Dorking.
The Brinkmanns were naturalised British subjects of German birth.
Trade (on enlistment); Clerk.
Religion; Roman Catholic.
Enlisted "for the duration of the war", at the Hotel Cecil, London on 1st, January 1915, at the age of 23 years 11 months. Joined the 24th. (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
Official No. 2362 (in ranks)
Ranks:
Private 1st.Jan.1915 Royal Fusiliers
2nd.Lieutenant (Tempy.) 26th.Sep.1917 M.G.C.
Lieutenant (Tempy.) c. late 1918 M.G.C.
Demobilised c. mid 1919
Description (1915): Height, 5' 10 ½”; Hair, black; Eyes, brown ; Complexion, fresh.
Address (1914): 14 Brownswood Park, Green Lanes, London, N.;

Other Notes: MC: LG 16/9/1918
Bar to MC: LG 8/3/1919 T/2Lt;

END OF RECORD.

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