An outstanding First World War soldier is to be remembered at a special service of commemoration at Ripon Cathedral, where he has a memorial, exactly 100 years after his “conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty” in battle led him to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
The service, to be held on November 30, will honour the memory of Lt-Col Neville Bowes Elliott-Cooper, the great-grandson of Capt J Elliott of Elliott House, now Holmefield House, Harrogate Road, Ripon, who circumnavigated the globe with Captain Cook.
Lt-Col Elliott-Cooper was born the son of Sir Robert Elliott-Cooper in 1889 and joined the Royal Fusiliers on the outbreak of war, rising through the ranks through his leadership, daring and ability.
He had already been awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross, when while commanding the 8th Battalion, he won his VC for his actions on November 30 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai. Hearing that the enemy had broken through the outpost line, he rushed out of his dug-out and dashed forward, unarmed, making straight for the advancing enemy. Under his direction, British troops forced them back 600 yards.
Badly injured in the hip and still 40 yards in front of his men, he signalled to them to withdraw, as they were severely outnumbered and suffering heavy casualties, even though this meant he would be captured. Their action, though, enabled reserves to be sent forward and hold the line. He died of his wounds as a prisoner of war aged 29 two and a half months later.
The service of commemoration will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, who will place Lt-Col Elliott-Cooper’s VC, which is usually kept in the Royal Fusiliers’ Museum in the Tower of London, on the altar. Col Peter Stitt, Commandant of the School of Infantry at Catterick Garrison, will give an address. The Dishforth Military Wives Choir will take part in the service, which will be attended by serving and former Fusiliers.
Dean Dobson said: “This service, which is open to everybody, is of great significance as it recognises the heroism of an outstanding soldier. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the contribution of the other 249 service personnel and choristers who died for their country in the First World War and whose names are recorded on memorials in the cathedral. Lt-Col Elliott-Cooper is the only one to have been awarded the VC but all the others made the supreme sacrifice.”
A week earlier a service is being held in London’s Victoria Embankment Gardens to commemorate the life of Lt-Col Elliott-Cooper.