12 Facts About Jacob Rivers

Private Jacob Rivers VC was a British Army soldier and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Jacob Rivers was posthumously awarded the VC during the First World War for his actions during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915.

Jacob Rivers' was born at Bridgegate in Derby, England, on 17 November 1881.

Jacob Rivers joined the British Army in June 1899, and was posted to the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

Jacob Rivers was discharged in 1907 and was placed on the military reserve.

At the start of the First World War, which began for Britain in August 1914, Jacob Rivers was employed by the Midland Railway Company in Derby, working as labourer on a ballast train.

Jacob Rivers volunteered for the British Army and was posted to the 1st Battalion of The Sherwood Foresters.

Jacob Rivers cautiously approached the German position and threw several bombs on them, forcing the withdrawal of the garrison.

Jacob Rivers's action caused the enemy to retire, and so relieved the situation.

Jacob Rivers performed a second act of great bravery on the same day, similar to the first mentioned, again causing the enemy to retire.

Jacob Rivers was buried in a battlefield grave which was later lost.

On 12 March 2017, the 102nd anniversary of his death, a plaque commemorating Jacob Rivers was unveiled at platform 1 of Derby railway station.