Durlacher Philip Alfred Lieut

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Surname: Durlacher;

Forename(s): Philip Alfred;

Initials: PA;

Rank: Lieut;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 32 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 148 Coy;

How killed: D;

Where: UK;

When killed: 12-May-1918;

Awarded: MC;

Gallantry Notes: MC: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on two separate occasions. During an attack he visited his guns which were in exposed positions and by his personal example under a heavy barrage encouraged his men to keep their guns in action. On the second occasion he again continued to visit his guns during a hostile attack and assisted his men to carry ammunition across the open to theit guns which were in shell holes. When a gun was knocked out he immediately got it mounted and firing again from another position. It was due to his spirit and fine example that the enemy's attack was repulsed.;

Other Data: Uppingham School Register 1888-1960: B March 1891, son of A Durlacher, London,W. At School 1904-1908. Architect & Surveyor. Lt MGC, MC, d.May 1918
With 32 Coy at establishment. To 148 Coy 13/9/1916
born 15/3/1891 at West Kensington. Father:Alfred Durlacher (Fine Art Dealer). Educated Uppingham Sch. Farmer at Spring Hill Farm, Fordcombe,Tunbridge Wells. Served as 1206 Pte PA Durlacher W Kent Yeo. Served Gallipoli from 24/9/15. To Egypt until 17/4/16. Discharged at Suez to Commsn (recommended by Major Sackville, W Kent Yeo at Sidi Bishr) T/2Lt. Casualty Form: 17/9/16 ordered to 148 Coy MGC & taken on strength 29/12/16. Leave to UK 16/10/16 rejoined 29/10/16. To No 3 Army Inf Sch 9/2/17. Rejoined 20/3/17. To MG Course 25/5/17. Rejoined 16/56/17. Leave to UK 30/6/17, rejoined 14/7/17 (leave extended for investiture of MC -LG 26/9/17) Medical Board ordered 29/11/17. 19/12/17 - unfir for 6m. Letter 28/3/18 to Sec. War Office from Durlacher "asks to resign commission on grounds of ill health - after 3 1/2 yrs service in Gallipoli, Egypt & France - passed unfit for further service abroad - my already bad eyesight has been aggrevated by gas. Whilst under treatment for neurasthenia at Belton Park Mil Hosp was recommended for special medical board with a view to discharge. This board, on 24 Feb 1918 recomm me for 1 months leave with a view to being fit for sedentary work in UK, but eye specialist at Millbank has precluded me from undertaking any kind of clerical work" (danger of detached retina)
Letter to War Office 12/5/18 from father " my son……..died suddenly this morning". Coroner for London ……"found dead with bullet wound to brain, self-inflicted with revolver. Did kill himself whilst temporarily insane owing to the effects of the stress of active service". Died intestate - Estate £3185/0/2d - to father.
British Jewry Book of Honour
Memorial Tablet - Union Jack Club, Sandell St, Lambeth - dedicated by father & stepmother 1918.;

Other Notes: DURLACHER, Lieutenant, PHILIP ALFRED, MC, Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Died of sickness 12th May 1918. Age 27. Son of Alfred and Hilda Durlacher, of 142, New Bond St., London. NA. 180991. Brookwood Cemetery - Surrey, United Kingdom.
MC: LG 26/9/1917 (LG 9/1/1918);

Related National Archives files: WO374/21619;

END OF RECORD.

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