George Rolland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Murray Rolland
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| Born | 12 May 1869 Wellington, Tamil Nadu, British India |
| Died | 9 July 1910 (aged 41) Nagpur, India |
| Buried |
Takli Cemetery, Nagpur
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom British India |
| Service/ |
 British Army British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1889-1910 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Bedfordshire Regiment Indian Staff Corps 1st Bombay Grenadiers |
| Battles/wars | Third Somaliland Expedition |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Major George Murray Rolland was a brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award given for amazing courage when facing the enemy. It can be awarded to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Early Life and Army Career
George Murray Rolland was born on May 12, 1869, in Wellington, Madra Presidency, which was part of British India. He went to Harrow and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. These were important schools for future army officers.
In November 1889, he joined the Bedfordshire Regiment as an officer. Later, in August 1891, he moved to the Indian Staff Corps. He became a company commander with the 1st Bombay Grenadiers in 1901. In 1902, he was sent to British Somaliland for a special mission.
His Act of Bravery
George Rolland was 33 years old and a Captain in the 1st Bombay Grenadiers. This was during the Third Somaliland Expedition in 1903. On April 22, after a fight in British Somaliland, his group was falling behind.
A fellow officer was badly hurt and fell. Captain Rolland, along with William George Walker and four other men, stayed with the injured officer. They tried to keep the enemy away. Captain Rolland then ran about 500 yards back to get help. When the column's leader, John Edmund Gough, arrived, they managed to get the wounded man onto a camel. Sadly, the officer was hit again and died right away. Captain Rolland's quick thinking and bravery in running for help under fire earned him the Victoria Cross.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Today, Captain Rolland's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London.
Later Life and Legacy
In November 1906, George Rolland became an officer with the Nagpur Volunteer Rifles. He was serving there when he sadly died on July 9, 1910, after a fall. He had reached the rank of major in November 1907. Recently, his grave was found in Nagpur during a cleaning project.
