Private Victor Charles Groome

Rank or Title

Date of Birth

1888

Date of Death

25 May 1915

Service Number

6/1042

Place of Birth

Luton
United Kingdom

World War I Address

27 Princess Street
Luton
United Kingdom

Place of Death

France

Grave Location

No known grave
France

War Memorial Location

Soldier or Civilian

  • Soldier

Source

The Luton News , 18th May 1916
Rifleman Victor Groome

 

Pte Victor Charles Groome, 6/1042, 4th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, was killed in action in France on May 25th, 1915. He had been reported missing, but it was a year later before his death was confirmed.

Pte Groome was born in Luton towards the end of 1888, the son of Hermon and Martha Louise Groome, who in 1891 were living at 72 Lea Road, Luton. Mr Groome died at the age of 71 in 1912 after working at Hayward Tyler's for 36 years and being married for 45 years.

At the time of her son's death his mother was living at 23 Princess Street when she learned what had happened to him she was staying with relatives in St Albans.

Victor Groom had joined the colours on the outbreak of war. At the time he was living in Hammersmith with his wife, Agnes Elizabeth (nee Poole), and two children, one born seven months after he was reported missing. The couple had married in Hammersmith in July 1912. On his wedding certificate Victor was described as a casual labourer.

He had come back to visit family in Hammersmith in March 1915 after having been in hospital in Broseley, Shropshire, suffering from an rheumatism. He rejoined his regiment in France four days before his death.

Victor Groome's story before his marriage was also not a happy one. He was jailed at the Old Bailey in January 1911, having pleaded guilty to deception. He admitted forging a withdrawal request for £6 from the Post Office with intent to defraud. He also admitted having four previous convictions, including feloniously withdrawing a total of £13 from the account of his own father, who prosecuted him in January 1910.

It was stated in court that he would not work, but on his record for his year spent at Wormwood Scrubs prison he was described as a circus rough rider.

 

Individual Location

Rifleman Victor Groome

Author: Deejaya

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