Looking for date of death of this England rugby international and any other information regarding DSO and Croix de Guerre. Born Sculcoates 27 March, 1889. Four victories from five international appearances. Played either side of WW1. Played club rugby for Harlequins. Awarded MC, DSO 1918 and Croix de Guerre with Palm Also served in WW2. Farmed in Rhodesia after leaving army. Died South Africa 1983
This is what I have: MacIlwaine, Alfred Herbert DSO MC played for England Internationals: 5 : 1912 W+ I+ S+ ; 1920 I+ Alfred MacIlwaine was born on 27 March 1889 Played as a Prop/lock for: Clifton College, Hull and East Riding, The Army, United Services Portsmouth, Harlequins, Yorkshire Profession: The Army/farmer War service: Captain, acting Major, ‘W’ Battery, Royal Field Artillery. He served in France 1914-1915 and in Mesopotamia with the 4th Indian Division, 1916-1918; Mentioned in Despatches 5 times; MC. DSO Gazetted on 10 December 1918: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Huwaish, 27th-29th October 1918. His battery was continuously in action for three days, and during this strenuous time he directed the fire from and advanced outpost in the front line. Under heavy fire he exposed himself fearlessly to obtain good observation, sand contributed largely to repelling al enemy attempts to break through. His tactical handling of his own and another battery was admirable, and his coolness and determination inspired all ranks with confidence”. Croix de Guerre with palm. Remarks: Played for Yorkshire (0-24) v the 1908-1909 Wallabies. Played for the Officers of the Army v the Officers of the Royal Navy in 1913 (8-18) and 1914 (26-14). Served during the 1939-1945 War as Major commanding the South Rhodesia Light Battalion; temporary Lieutenant Colonel, South Rhodesia Liaison Officer at East Africa Command, Nairobi 1944-1945. Farmed in the Inyanga Mountains of Rhodesia after leaving the Army. He died in South Africa. date n/k. Gareth
