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 Brunton, Joseph DSO MC* played for England Internationals: 3 : 1914 W+ I+ S+ Joseph Brunton was born on 21 August 1888 Played as a Lock for: North Durham, Rockliff, The Army, Northumberland Profession: Chairman/managing director of engineering company War service: Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders and 12/13th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, 62nd Brigade, 21st Division (later Lieutenant Colonel commanding Service Battalion). MC Gazetted 20 October 1917: “For conspicuous gallantry during operations. Though badly wounded, he stuck to his company, and by his cheerfulness kept the men well in hand under very heavy shell fire”. The citation for the bar to his MC appeared in the Gazette of 25 November 1916: “For conspicuous gallantry in action. He handled his company with great courage and skill, digging in under intense fire. He set a splendid example to his men throughout the operations.” The MC was awarded in the Gazette of 20 October 1916. Mentioned in Despatches 3 times. DSO Gazetted on 1 February 1919: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations near Warlincourt on 8th October 1918. When the battalion was held up west of the wood he led them forward under machine gun fire and shelling at close range and captured the wood. Although wounded and considerably shaken by a shell which burst close to him, he returned to battalion headquarters to report. While he was away the battalion was driven out of the wood, so he again went up and restored the situation. The success of the advance under heavy fire without a barrage was due to his energy and resource.” Remarks: Lieutenant Colonel Brunton Played five times for the Mother Country in the 1919 Victory series. Refereed Wales v New Zealand 1925. He represented Northumberland on the Rugby Football Union 1945-1954. President of the Rugby Football Union 1953-1954. He died on 18 September 1971
The England XV for the match against Scotland in 1914. Alfred Maynard, Arthur Dingle, Bungy Watson, Cyril Lowe, Sidney Smart, G Ward, Joseph Brunton, JE Greenwood. Front: William Johnston, Cherry Pillman, HC Harrison, Ronald Poulton-Palmer, Bruno Brown, Francis Oakeley, WJA 'Dave' Davies, March 21, 1914
