Sergeant Rowland Miles Hill MM
15203 1st Grenadier Guards
Rowland Hill was born on 11th November 1890 in Jacksdale, son of Philip Aaron Hill, a colliery labourer from Codnor Park and Eliza (nee Clayton) born West Bromwich. Rowland had brothers Frank Clayton Hill, George, Joseph Wilfred and a sister named Phyllis. All four of the Hill brothers served in WW1. Three returned but George was wounded at the Somme in 1916, dying of his wounds in December 1916. All four are listed on the Jacksdale War Memorial.
In 1911 his parents were living at ‘The Common’, Main Road, Jacksdale. By this time Rowland had already joined the Army, enlisting on 1st April 1911. His full military records do not seem to have survived.
Rowland is mentioned in ‘The Sheffield Independent’s War Album, ‘Our Boys at the Front’, part 7, 1914 as ‘Sergeant Rowland Hill of Jacksdale, Codnor Park. 1st Grenadier Guards. Reported killed, but eventually listed as wounded, and has now returned to his Regiment. Stands 6ft 3in.’
He is listed in the Supplement to The London Gazette on Friday, 25th January 1918: ‘His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the undermentioned Non Commissioned Officers and Men:- 15203 Sjt. R.M. Hill, G.Gds. (Nottingham).’ In addition, Rowland was awarded the 1914 Star (with clasp and Roses), as well as the British War and Victory Medals. He was also awarded Silver War Badge number B264738 and, as mentioned above, the Military Medal, for bravery.
On the 1st February 1919 Rowland married Annie Evelyn Langridge of Franklin Road, Jacksdale at Westwood, St Mary’s, his occupation was given as ‘soldier.’ However, his discharge from the Army was imminent and he was discharged on 25th February 1919 under King’s Regulation 392 xvia: ‘Surplus to military requirements (having suffered impairment since entry into the service).’
In 1921 they had a son named Ivor.
Rowland died on 30th October 1972 whilst a Chelsea Pensioner in Westminster, London. At rest at the Brookwood Military Hospital Cemetery, Surrey. Buried: Royal Hospital Plot 4. Row D, Grave 9. His gravestone inscription reads, ‘In pensioner, Royal Hospital from 8th September 1969.’