Regiment: Suffolk Regt.
Died: 24 May 1915 aged 23 in France. Killed in action at Zonnebeke Canal, Ypres.
Cemetery: Ypres Menin Gate P 21
Son of Wyndham and Constance Rushbrooke, of Nowton Cottage, Bury St. Edmund's and Rushbrooke Hall, Bury St. Edmunds, b. 1892.
Middle IV B - Upper Modern II. School Prefect. XI Football; XXII Cricket.
Cadet, British North Borneo Civil Service, 1913; Lieutenant 3rd Batt. Suffolk Regt. 1912.
Great War, Captain. 3rd Bn. attd. 2nd Bn. and 1st Bn Suffolk Regiment.
'As a boy he was singularly free from self-assertion, and had that rare power of sympathy which made others show him their best. He played all games well, and in the true sporting spirit. He was made a School Prefect while still young, and his early departure was a loss to the School. He joined the Special Reserve with a view to taking a Commission in the Army; but a good opening offered in Borneo, and he joined the Civil Service there in 1913. When war broke out he was not released for military service, but in 1915 he resigned his position, and came home to re-join the Special Reserve. He was sent to Flanders at once, and was reported "missing" after an attack in the summer. He is now officially declared killed, and his loss will be deeply regretted by Malvern friends.' (Malvernian, Mar 1916).
This officer was wounded on the 24th May at Hooge Chateau on the right of Ypres. Could not get away. He possibly might be wounded and prisoner of war. Was wounded by machine gun fire.
'At Zillebeke on Whit Monday he was killed during an attack and was left between our trenches and those of the enemy. We had to retire 400 or 500 yards. Did not actually see Capt Rushbrooke killed but there are others who did, and it is pretty certain that he is dead'. (Extract from statement made by Sergeant Farman).
'On Whit Monday May 24th 1915, we were ordered at 2am to move up from billets to join Divisional reserve. We moved about 2.5 miles up the Vlamertinghe Ypres road & awaited orders.
At 11am we received orders to reinforce Cavalry who had been gassed; we arrived at G.H.A. lines at 3pm and the Northumberland Fusiliers & Cheshires were front line supported by Welsh Suffolks, under command of Major Toke (Welsh Regt).
During the second line advance A & B companies were in front. After advancing about 700 yards we were ordered to fix bayonets & Capt Rushbrooke asked me to get him a rifle & bayonet, which I did.
When the line halted Capt Rushbrooke said that he would go & find Major Maycock who was in command, as he was not satisfied that we were going in the right direction, leaving his rifle & bayonet with me.
After waiting about 5 minutes, I saw the line move & I advanced with them, thinking that Capt R. had joined his company & given the order to advance.
I have not seen him since, & in my opinion he is undoubtedly killed. The attack was not a success and we had to retire.' (Edward C.S.M. 'A' Company).
Marble memorial at St Nicholas Parish Church, Rushbrooke
Service record:WO 339/9127