One of those to fall on the 25th May 1915 was Major Frederick William Orby Maycock, D.S.O.
Killed by machine gun fire near Witte Poort Farm, his body was recovered and was originally buried in the tiny "Machine Gun Farm" cemetery nearby, but after the war, he along with the others who were buried there, were removed and reinterred in Tyne Cot Cemetery at Zonnebeke. When transferred from his original resting place, Major Maycock could not be positively identified as his temporary wooden grave marker, erected in 1915, had been subsequently lost in the battles that followed. Temporarily an "U.B. Off. D.S.O. Suffolk Regt" (unknown British Officer), he was however, successfully identified by "Crown, numerals and Ribbons D.S.O & G.S.A.F." still visible on his service dress jacket. Further evidence was discovered in a locket containing a photograph and the initials engraved inside "F.M." A gallant and courageous leader both in Africa and on the Western Front, he did much to inspire the men under his command in battle. His leadership of 1st Suffolk had lasted just twelve days through the toughest time in its entire history. Comments are closed.
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Welcome to our online 'blog' charting the history of the many Battalions of the Suffolk Regiment and the part they played in the Great War.
Starting back in March 2014, we have recorded the events of 100 years ago on the centenary of their happening. Keep checking back to see how the Great War is progressing for the men of the Suffolk Regiment. Archives
December 2018
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