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Capt. Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC.
British Army 2nd Btn. Northamptonshire Regiment
from:Sevenoaks, Kent
(d.31st Jul 1917)
Captain Thomas Colyer-Fergusson served with the 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment during WW1. He was killed in action on the 31st July 1917 aged 21 and is buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery in Belgium. He was the son of Thomas Colyer Colyer-Fergusson and the late Beatrice Stanley Colyer-Fergusson, of Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, Kent. Born in London. His brother Max Christian Hamilton Colyer-Fergusson fell in the 1939-1945 War
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 30272, dated 4th Sept., 1917; records the following:-
For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and determination in attack. The tactical situation having developed contrary to expectation, it was not possible for his company to adhere to the original plan of deployments, and owing to the difficulties of the ground and to enemy wire, Captain Colyer Fergusson found himself with a Serjeant and five men only. He carried out the attack nevertheless, and succeeded in capturing the enemy trench and disposing of the garrison. His party was then threatened by a heavy counter-attack from the left front, but this attack he successfully resisted. During this operation, assisted by his Orderly only, he attacked and captured an enemy machine gun and turned it on the assailants, many of whom were killed and a large number driven into the hands of an adjoining British unit. Later, assisted only by his Serjeant, he again attacked and captured a second enemy machine gun, by which time he had been joined by other portions of his company, and was enabled to consolidate his position. The conduct of this officer throughout forms an amazing record of dash, gallantry and skill, for which no reward can be too great, having regard to the importance of the position won. This gallant officer was shortly afterwards killed by a sniper.
