Tippins J Cpl 3105 2nd Essex Regiment
TIPPINS, JOHN, Corpl. and Acting Sergt., No. 3105, 2nd Battn. Essex Regt., s. of Luke R. Tippins, of Mistley, Essex, Schoolmaster and Rifle Expert; b. Winsford, co. Somerset, 10 March, 1887; educ. Norman School, Mistley, and privately; served first in 2nd Vol. Battn. Essex Regt., then in the 5th Essex (T.F.) as Machine Gun Sergt., and finally in 8th Essex (T.F.) as Motor Cycle Sergt. ; joined 2nd Battn. as Private 18 Sept. 1914, in order to get at once to the Front, and was appointed Corpl., and left for France the following day, and was killed in action at a farm near Armentières, 26 Nov. 1914, having been appointed Acting Sergt. in charge of a machine gun a few days previously. Buried in 2nd Essex Cemetery, near Armentières; unm.
John Tippins was one of the finest rifle shots in the United Kingdom. He qualified for the final stage of the King’s Prize Competition at Bisley in the years 1908-11 inclusive and in 1913; he won the Wimbledon Cup, 1910, the Association Cup, 1909, the Aggregate Service Rifle Championship, 1911, and took first place in the second stage of the Albert Competition the same year. He shot in the Elcho, Mackinnon, and Challenge Trophy teams, and was one of the Empire Team chosen to go out to Australia, whose departure was prevented by the outbreak of war. On the night he fell, he had gone himself to get water for the Maxim in his charge, as it was a dangerous job in daylight, and was killed on his return. Capt. Binstead (since killed) wrote: “He had already gained for himself a reputation as a daring sniper and splendid shot, which had spread far beyond his own regt., and which, had he not been shot, would, I feel sure, have obtained for him a coveted distinction.”
Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 1