Australian Victoria Cross Recipient
Sergeant James Rogers
Unit
South African Constabulary
Born
2 June 1875, at Moama, New South Wales
Date of action
15 June 1901
Place
GThaba ‘Nchu, Orange Free State
Details
He was one of a party of seven men attacked by about 50 Boers. Lieutenant Dickinson’s horse was shot and he was compelled to follow his men on foot. Rogers reined his horse in, and returned to fetch the officer, firing from his saddle as he rode. He took Dickinson up behind him and carried him 800 metres to safety. Although continually under heavy rifle fire Rogers returned on two occasions to within 350 metres of the enemy to pick up the unhorsed men. The Boers called on Rogers to surrender but his answer was to continue firing. He caught two riderless horses and helped another two men to mount and ride to safety.
Died
28 October 1961, in Sydney, NSW
Buried or Commemorated
Springvale Cemetery, Victoria. His name is also commemorated on a plaque in the Victoria Garden of Remembrance also at Springvale. A memorial cairn with a plaque commemorating the deeds of Rogers was unveiled in the main street of Heywood on ANZAC Day 1963.
Current location of the VC
Australian War Memorial