Quick Facts
Biography
Jacob Rivers VC (17 November 1881 – 12 March 1915) was 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.
Details
He was about 34 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 March 1915, at Neuve Chapelle, France, Private Rivers, on his own initiative, crept to within a few yards of a very large number of the enemy who were massed on the flank of an advanced company of his battalion, and hurled bombs on them. His action caused the enemy to retire, and so relieved the situation. Private Rivers performed a second similar act of great bravery on the same day, again causing the enemy to withdraw. He was killed on this occasion, and his remains never found - he is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Sherwood Foresters Museum, The Castle, Nottingham, England.