The 12th March 2026 saw the re-dedication of the restored grave of Adeline Rivers which also acts as a memorial to her son Jacob Rivers V.C. 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters who has no known grave.
Jacob died 111 years ago today, killed in action. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.
The citation in the London Gazette dated 27th April 1915 records the following:
“For most conspicuous bravery at Neuve-Chapelle on 12th March 1915, when he, 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. Pte. Rivers performed a second act of great bravery on the same day, similar to the first mentioned, again causing the enemy to retire. He was killed on this occasion”.
In attendance were the Mayor of Derby, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, representatives of the Mercian Regiment, descendants of the Rivers family and many others who have helped with the project.
The grave has been professionally cleaned by the The Victoria Cross Trust.
Special mention to Derby & District ex-Services Association for organising the event.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved.
