Dawlish World War One Project

Richard Rooth joined the regular army and at the time of his marriage he was Adjutant to the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers and posted to India.

After a series of foreign postings Richard was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and returned to England in December 1914.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were sent to Torquay to prepare for further posting and they gave their colours into the care of Torquay Council while they were away from England.

Richard lost his life in the ill fated Gallipoli campaign on 25 April 1915, aged 49. A brass memorial plaque stands on the north wall of St Gregory's church, Dawlish.

“Lieut. Colonel Rooth was killed instantly the moment he stepped on 'V' Beach at Sedd El Bahr, Gallipoli - the 'River Clyde' and the tows containing the Royal Dublin Fusiliers approached 'V' Beach together at 6.20am. As the 'River Clyde' grounded and the tows were within a few yards of the shore, all hell was let loose as a tornado of fire swept the boats. Men were killed as they waded ashore and the badly wounded stumbled into the water and drowned. Boats drifted helplessly away with every man in them killed or wounded. Men poured out from both sides of the ship - most fell before reaching shore - the gangways and lighters were choked with the dead and dying ...” (Christie's Sale catalogue of medal group)

Richard Alexander Rooth was born to John Wilcoxon Rooth (1835-1874) and Elizabeth Creedy Rooth (1825-1917) at 44 Camden Square, Kentish Town, London on 22 March 1866. His father was a barrister and his mother was formerly E C Smith.
Richard Rooth married Amy Mary Cann (1867-1950) on 25th June 1895 at the Parish Church, Dawlish. She was the daughter of Francis M Cann (1839-), a surgeon and general practitioner in Dawlish.