DACOMBE Ambrose Walter Lieut

SKR/DAT/IP/25698

DACOMBE Ambrose Walter Lieut

2000-2024

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Surname: DACOMBE;

Forename(s): Ambrose Walter;

Initials: AW;

Rank: Lieut;

Born in: Christchurch, Hants;

Enlistment Date: 27-Feb-1900;

Resided in: Ferndown;

Previous Number: 5912;

Previous Regiment: Hants Regt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 33 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 33 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 19 Bn;

Awarded: MC;

Gallantry Notes: For gallant leadership at the taking of Kavgora,on 13 September, and the capture of Lijma on 14 September 1919. On 13 September he maintained two machine guns in action under very heavy fire, greatly assisting the enemy in the final assault. On 14 September he brought his machine guns into action so rapidly that he was instrumental in capturing many of the enemy.;

Other Data: born 26/12/1881
disch to Commsn 8/4/1917 - R Warwks R
in ranks 15 years, WOII 1 yr 280 days, 2/Lt 13/4/1917, A/Capt 18/5/1917
rmy List Jan 1923 - Non effective Officer: Ambrose Dacombe, b 26/12/1881, 2/Lt 13/4/1917, Lt13/10/1918 , Retired 9/1/1920.
POW 31/1/1918 (reported missing at Hulloch) - repatriated 1/1/1919
ICRC Ref: PA 20204/21124/37930
WO339/107853 - statement re capture "on the 31st January 1918 I was in the front line trenches in the Hulloch sector. I was in charge of a battery of machine guns. The day was exceptionally foggy and very quiet. About 12.30pm I went along the front line and got in touch with the officer in charge of the next Battery of MGs. After leaving him I started on my return journey. The fog was very thick and I decided to go back over the top. I went along the trench until I came to another which I mistook for our front line, but in reality must have been a sap for one of our listening posts. Here I left the trench, and thinking myself behind our front line I started on an even course which I knew would come on our front line again. Keeping this course, to my great astonishment I walked into a sentry group of the enemy".

DACOMBE. Ambrose Walter. 5912.
Born Christchurch Hampshire 1882.
Commissioned. 1st Bn Royal Warwickshire Regiment 13 April 1916.(CHECK DATE) Served in Machine Gun Corps.
Next of Kin. Mrs Dacombe (Wife)
Pre-war. Enlisted 1900. Served India and Somaliland. Awarded Africa General Service Medal 2 Clasps ‘Somaliland’, ‘Jidballi’. Promoted LCpl seniority 13 May 1905 he was posted to the Depot in 1906. Dacombe was a member of the Royal Army Temperance Association (RATA) and received his five year medal whilst a member of the Depot RATA and the six year medal a year later. From 3rd Reserve Bn posted to 1st Bn Aug 1908 and re-engaged to complete 12 years service. Promoted Cpl seniority 21 June 1908. He was posted to the Depot again in 1909, in July 1909 passed qualification exam as Qualified Instructor at Winchester in Army System of Physical Training and 14 October 1910 qualified at the School of Musketry, Hythe . Appointed Paid Lance-Sergeant March 1911 he re-engaged for regiment at Winchester to complete 21 years service. In July 1911 Qualified to instruct in the Maxim Gun at an exam held at School of Musketry Hythe. Promoted Sergeant seniority 11 August 12.
War. Landed France 23 August 1914.
A son Harold Walter was born Lapstone Farm Eastleigh 25 Oct 1914.
Attended Sgts Dinner 8 January 1917.
CSM Dacombe commissioned 2Lt in the field and promoted Lt 13 October 1918. Temporarily promoted Captain whilst another officer is away from Bn. Whilst serving with the Royal Warwicks he was wounded and taken prisoner. Subsequently he is seconded from the Royal Warwicks to the Machine Gun Corps and its with that Corps he is awarded the MC Citation reads ‘ Lt Ambrose Dacombe, R War. R; and ‘B’ Coy, 19th Bn, MG Corps. For gallant leadership at the taking of Kavgora, on the 13th September 1919 and the capture of Lajma on 14th September 1919. On the 13th September he maintained two machine guns in action under very heavy fire, greatly assisting the infantry in the final assault. On 14th September he brought his machine guns into action so rapidly that he was instrumental in capturing many of the enemy’. The two towns listed are situated between St. Petersberg and Archangel.
He retires 6 January 1920 LG 6 January 1920.
Ambrose Dacombe settled in Ferndown and became a founder member of the Ferndown Branch of the British Legion of which he was Chairman for many years. He also belonged to the Bournemouth Old Contemptibles Association, was treasurer to the Ferndown Boy Scouts, a member of the West Moors Bowling Club and an active worker for the Bournemouth Branch of the Hard of Hearing Association. He helped raise a substantial sum of money to purchase equipment for the childrens’ corner of Ferndown Recreation Ground.
Ambrose Dacombe died 22 March 1954 and his funeral took place at Hampreston Parish Church 25 March 1954. The funeral was attended by his widow and many other relations, friends and representatives of the organisations with whom Ambrose had been associated with.
Decorations. Military Cross LG 21 January 1920, Italian Bronze Medal for Valour June 1917.;

Other Notes: MC: LG 21/1/1920 NORTH RUSSIA - Murmansk ("B" Coy, 19 Bn)
(Africa Gen Serv Medal:Somaliland 1902-04, Jidballi)
(Bronze Medal for Military Valour - Italy - LG 26/5/1917);

END OF RECORD.

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