Pneumonia as a result of Influenza caught in France.
Mentioned in Despatches.
RWY attd 2 Wilts
Last week we reported on the death of Capt Maurice Mortimer Rooke which
took place at the residence of his parents, Th Ivy, on the 8th inst. Capt
Rooke who was 28, at the out break of war joined the Royal Wilts Yeomanry
and was attached to the Wiltshire Regiment. He was promoted Captain in
June 1916 and during the past 2 years had taken part in all the
engagements that his regiment worthily upheld it’s tradition and was
mentioned in despatches. He contracted Spanish influenza whilst in France
but got better. He obtained leave of absence and came home, where he
arrived on September 30th. He was unfortunately seized with the old
complaint and developed pneumonia, this proved fatal. The funeral took
place on Saturday (12th October). Military honours were accorded and a
firing party under the command of Sgt Maj May fired three volleys over the
grave. The band of the Wiltshire Regiment led the cortege. The coffin of
polished oak was draped with the Union Jack on which the sword, belt, cap
and spurs of the deceased were placed.
Wilts Times 19 October 1918
Mr and Mrs Mortimer Rooke of The Ivy, who recently lost their son Capt
Maurice Rooke have suffered two further bereavements. On October 14th,
their youngest daughter Doris Mary Fredericka, aged 17 died through
pneumonia following Spanish influenza and two days later E Marjory aged 20
died from meningitis following Spanish influenza.
Wilts Times 19 October 1918
From the transport section, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment.
In Memory of their beloved officer
Capt. Wallace Mortimer Rooke
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry
Died 8th October 1918
Aged 28
One of the best
Memorial plaque in St Andrew’s church
Wallace Mortimer Rooke Born 20 July 1890, died 8 October 1918.
Sisters Ellen Marjory Born 16 September 1898 Died 16 October 1918
Doris Mary Frederika Born 1 February 1901Died 14 October 1918
Parents Mortimer Rooke Died 16 May 1942
Frederika Charlotte Louisa Died 27 March 1954
Headstones in Chippenhma Cemetery