Thiepval Memorial, France, Somme

From De Ruvignys Roll of Honour:

Went to western Canada in March 1911 to acquire a knowledge of agriculture, but when war broke out was on the point of entering a theological college at Saskatchewan, to study for the church; returned to England and enlisted in the 14th Manchester Regiment 30 Nov. 1914, being promoted L.-Corpl in Dec, after which he was selected for various special courses and became an expert marksman and signaller; transferred to the 16th (Public Schools) Battn, Middlesex Regt in June 1915; but was placed in the 24th Battn; was promoted Corpl. 16th July, and authorized to form a signalling section for that battalion, when he again distinguished himself in another special course of signalling at Tunbridge Wells in Sept, for which he had been selected; transferred to the 23rd Battn. when two NCO’s were required to fill a vacancy in that battalion; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 3 May, 1916, and was killed in action at Delville Wood 13 Sept. following, while working under heavy shell fire.

Coy. Quartermaster-Sergt A.V. Barnett wrote: “Your son met his death like the gallant soldier he was, working under terrific heavy fire, and by his heroism and devotion to duty he encouraged his men, and by his example prevented what might have been a serious state of affairs. He was most popular with all ranks here, and his tactfulness, generosity and above all, unfailing cheerfulness and comforting words will be remembered by all."

He was both artistic and musical, possessing also pronounced literary qualities. At an early age he developed a great inventive ability in mechanical construction, which he put into practical use whilst in Western Canada where he originated various time and labour saving appliances for farming operations including a combined plough and harrow, a potato planter and an ingenious device for boring holes for fence posts by horse power to expedite the fixing of fence rails.

Up to March 1911 he had never been away from Sark, and had never in his life till then seen either a big steamer or railway train and his first glimpse of the outside world was when his father took him at that time to Liverpool en route for Canada. Yet when but four days out a violent gale broke down the wireless gear of the CPR SS Lake Champlain, he helped the operator to repair the damage and then when a terrible sea was running, fearlessly climbed the mast to place the wire in position and was cheered by all on board for his pluck and daring. After being invited to visit the engine room he astonished the chief engineer by asserting that he could make improvements on the cylinders, and proceeded to illustrate his ideas by means of a sketch, with the result that both the engineer and captain were convinced that his suggestions were really an improvement and easily workable.

Corporal Roy Herrick Toplis
"A" Coy. 23rd Bn. Middlesex Regiment
13/09/1916

Enlisted with Manchester Regiment, subsequently transferred to Duke of Cambridge Own and Middlesex Regiments
PS/2597. Promoted to Corporal

Son of William Arthur Toplis and Eleanor ‘Nellie’ Dickinson, La Maison Rouge, Sark. Brother of Isabel Muriel, George Arthur, Alfred Dobreé, Gertrude, Renée, Edie and Marguerite.

Killed in action at Delville Wood, aged 22 years

Memorial window in St Peter's Church, Sark

Remembered on: Sark War Memorial Sark Memorial Window

 

 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record