Gerald Rogers

Gerald William Rogers

Personal Details

Gerald William Rogers, born in Whitchurch in 1896, the second son of William Edwin and Harriet Rogers of 15, St John’s Street, Whitchurch.

Gerald was a Farm Labourer before joining the Army.

Military Details

Regiment : Royal Horse Artillery
Rank : Gunner
Service Number : 140045

Killed in Action; France 24th April 1917 Age 21

Medals and Awards
Gerald was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News June 1917


Report in the Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News regarding the death of Gerald William Rogers

Commanding Officer writes;

"He was an excellent boy and would have done well in the Army. He was killed by shrapnel whilst the battery was under fire. He has died for his King and Country and I hope you will be proud of him."

Sergeant writes;

"Your son, who was a gunner in my sub-section, he was a good lad and every inch a soldier. I feel it is my duty to write and tell you that he passed away quickly and in no pain, he was buried alongside a comrade who also fell in the same action on the same day "

Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News June 1917



If you can provide any further information on Gerald William Rogers please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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