James Rogers (VC)

James Rogers VC (2 June 1875 – 28 October 1961) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life
James Rogers was born on 2 June 1875 in Echuca, Victoria.

Military service
When Rogers was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the South African Constabulary, South African Forces during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 15 June 1901, at Thaba 'Nchu, South Africa, during a skirmish, a party of the rearguard, consisting of a lieutenant, Sergeant Rogers and six men, was attacked by about 60 Boers. When the lieutenant's horse was shot, Sergeant Rogers rode back, took the lieutenant up behind and carried him for half a mile on his own horse. The sergeant then returned to within 400 yards of the enemy and rescued two other men who had lost their horses. Afterwards, he caught two horses and helped their owners to remount. This was done under heavy fire. The Boers were near enough to Sergeant Rogers to call upon him to surrender; his only answer was to continue firing.

Rogers went on to serve with the 6th Battalion Commonwealth Horse in South Africa, and later as a Lieutenant in the First World War. He was wounded at Anzac Cove (Gallipoli), and returned medically unfit to Australia.

Later life
James Rogers died on 28 October 1961, in Sydney. He was buried in Springvale Cemetery, Victoria. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.