Frederick Charles Booth
Sergeant, British South African Police attchd Rhodesia Native Infantry
- Register No.
- 104 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Sergeant all Sergeants →
- Unit
- British South African Police attchd Rhodesia Native Infantry (register: British South Africa Police) all British South Africa Police VCs →
- Date of action
- 12 February 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 16th September 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Born
- 6th March 1890 at Upper Holloway, London
- Died
- 14th September 1960 at Brighton, Sussex
- Memorial / grave
- grave Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton. Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
Digest of citation
Control of February 1917 at Johannesbruck, near Songea, East Africa, during an attack in thick bush on the enemy position and under very heavy rifle fire, Sergeant Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. Later he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised and brought them to the firing line. On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck and endurance. During the period 17th/18th July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, Lieutenant Borella, whilst leading his platoon, charged and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting two gunners. He then led his party, by now reduced to 10 men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver and later a rifle with great effect and causing many casualties. Two large dug-outs were also bombed and 30 prisoners taken. On another occasion, although outnumbered 10 to one, he and his men repulsed the enemy causing heavy losses
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
BOOTH, Frederick Charles. (Reg. No. 104).
Sergeant British South African Police attchd Rhodesia Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 6th March 1890 at Upper Holloway, London.
Died on 14th September 1960 at Brighton, Sussex.
Memorial at grave Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton.
Digest of Citation reads: Control of February 1917 at Johannesbruck, near Songea, East Africa, during an attack in thick bush on the enemy position and under very heavy rifle fire, Sergeant Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. Later he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised and brought them to the firing line. On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck and endurance.
Additional information: Sergeant Booth also holds the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
BORELLA, Albert Chalmers. (Reg No. 1 05). Lieutenant 26th Battalion (Queensland and Tasmania) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 16th September 1918.
Born on 7th August 1881 at Borung, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 7th February 1968 at Albury, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads: During the period 17th/18th July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, Lieutenant Borella, whilst leading his platoon, charged and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting two gunners. He then led his party, by now reduced to 10 men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver and later a rifle with great effect and causing many casualties. Two large dug-outs were also bombed and 30 prisoners taken. On another occasion, although outnumbered 10 to one, he and his men repulsed the enemy causing heavy losses.
Additional information: Captain Borrello also held the Military Medal (MM)
Additional information
Sergeant Booth also holds the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) BORELLA, Albert Chalmers. (Reg No. 1 05). Lieutenant 26th Battalion (Queensland and Tasmania) Australian Imperial Force. Captain Borrello also held the Military Medal (MM)
Born on 7th August 1881 at Borung, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 7th February 1968 at Albury, Victoria, Australia.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: grave Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton. Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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