Rudolph O. George A. Berchem

T/Sergeant, Royal Field Artillery

Age 15, Class Mat. B: 'Good ability. A first rate worker, gentlemanly. Reliable.'

Rudolph O. George A. Berchem was 18 years old when he enlisted in the British Expeditionary Force in August 1916. Before the war, he worked as a chemist and lived at 7 Ardberg Road, Herne Hill with his German parents and his four brothers. After enlisting in the BEF, he was attached to 74^th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery as a gunner. He trained for his role for three months before being posted to France in November 1916. 74^th Brigade was attached to the Guards Division for the majority of the war and saw action at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette in 1916, the Battle of Third Ypres and the Battle of Cambrai in 1917 as well as the battles that preceded the advance to victory 1918. As a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, Sidney provided firepower and support to the advancing infantry in these battles. He served for the duration of the war and was rewarded for his devotion to duty with a promotion to Corporal in December 1918. A year later he was granted a temporary position as a Sergeant. For his wartime service he received the British War and Victory Medal.

After the war Rudolf resumed his career as a chemist and eventually ran the Jeyes Fluid Company. He was also admitted to the Freedom of The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers in March 1940.

With thanks to a family member for information about Rudolf's later life and career.