This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Casement, Francis DSO Legion d’Honneur played for Ireland Internationals: 3 : 1906 E+ S- W+ Francis Casement was born in 1881 Played as a Centre for: Coleraine Academical Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin University Profession: Army War service: Captain, Acting Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Army Medical Corps, Legion d’Honneur Gazetted 24 February 1916, DSO Gazetted 4 June 1917. He relinquished his rank when he ceased to command a medical unit on 23 January 1919. He died on 14 August 1967
Major General Francis Casement b. 21 October 1881 - d. 14 August 1967 Major General Francis Casement was born on 21 October 1881. He was born, educated Coleraine Inst, and Trinity College Dublin He was the son of Roger Casement and Susanna Beatty. He married Mabel Frances Harrison, daughter of Robert Francis Harrison, on 19 December 1916. He died on 14 August 1967 at age 85 Cmd 1938 Dep Dir-Gen S. In World War I. County Antrim. Rugby footballer. He was Officer, Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (O.St.J.). Ballycastle. He lived at Craigtara, Ballycastle, County Antrim, Ireland. He was decorated with the award of Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.). He was also known as Frank Casement. In 1906 rep Ireland. He served in Royal Army Medical Corps between 1907 and 1941. In 1915 Chev Legion d'Honneur. He was Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) and bar (1918) in 1917. In 1937 Dep Dir-Gen Army Med Services and 1938. In 1940 Hon Surgeon to HM King George VI and 1941. He was Major-Gen (ret ) Royal Army Medical Corps in 1941. He was in Minister of Health between 1942 and 1946. In 1951 High Sheriff. In 1953 Chairmanm Ulster Joint Committee Order of St John and BRCS from Vice-Pres County Antrim British Legion 1954.
Annie Thanks for the additional information. I'm often pleasantly surprised to learn just what these players achieved in their later lives. Gareth
