Personal info
- Name: Roland Edward ELCOCK
- D.O.B: 5th Jun, 1899
- D.O.A: 15th Oct, 1918
- D.O.D: 6th Oct, 1944
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Acting Corporal, 11th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment), 27th Brigade, 9th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
South-east of Ste-Catherine (St-Katarina), north of Courtrai, Belgium 15 October 1918
15 October 1918
The First World War 1918
The Battle of Courtrai opened on 14 October 1918. 9th Division advanced rapidly and on the following day, passed the village of Ste-Catherine just north of Courtrai, almost reaching the Lys Canal at Kuurne opposite Harelbeke, north-east of Courtrai.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative south-east of Capelle St. Catherine on the 15th October, 1918, when in charge of a Lewis gun team. Entirely on his own initiative, Cpl. Elcock rushed his gun up to within ten yards of enemy guns, which were causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance. He put both guns out of action, captured five prisoners, and undoubtedly saved the whole attack from being held up. Later, near the River Lys, this non-commissioned officer again attacked an enemy machine gun and captured the crew. His behaviour throughout the day was absolutely fearless.