Name
Roderick Leopold Keller (MC)
12 Sep 1892
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
15/08/1918
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Captain
Royal Air Force
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Military Cross, Mentioned in Despatches
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
SHENLEY (ST. BOTOLPH) CHURCHYARD
In S.W. corner.
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hadley Wood Village Memorial, St Botolph's Church Memorial, Shenleybury (now lost) (*1), Woking War Memorial, St Johns Church Cross, Surrey, Rugby School Chapel Memorial, Warwickshire
Pre War
Son of Leopold Ernest and Evelyn Rebie Keller, Wairoa, Hadley Wood (Post War).
The 1901 Census records Roderick as living at Rathcoole, Station Road, Hersham, Walton on Thames with parents and siblings.
Studying at Rugby School, Warwickshire between 1906 - 1910. Then in 1911 Census living at Rathcoole, Hook Heath, Woking with parents and siblings.
In 1918 his , family home was recorded as New Mount, Windsor Terrace, Hampstead NW3.
Wartime Service
He was Gazetted to Second Lieutenant on probation on 15 Aug 1914 to Warwickshire Regiment and was posted to France with the Regiment In May 1915 he
In July 1915 he was wounded and evacuated to the UK, returning to France on 24 Nov 1915. then on the 30 Nov 1915 he was Gazetted with a MID (no citation found).
In January 1916 he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a Second Lieutenant on 1 Jun 1916 he was promoted Lieutenant, Flying Officer. He remained in France and on 28 Apr 1917 he was promoted Temporary Captain, Flight Commander.
On 17 Sep 1917 he was awarded a Military Cross, the citation reads; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attacking hostile aircraft, destroying one and driving down others out of control. His dash and offensive spirit on all occasions have been splendid."
On 1 Apr 1918 the Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force and on 17 Jul 1918 he was posted to 18 Wing, 41 Training Depot Station, London Colney.
He died on 15 Aug 1918 in a flying accident at London Colney aerodrome whilst testing a Sopwith Snipe (E7998). He was an experienced pilot having since joining the RFC he had flown at least 10 different types of aircraft.
Additional Information
*1 Believed named on the lost memorial. Shenley (St Botolphs) Churchyard is in Shenleybury. 29 Jan 1919 Probate saw his estate of £1027 16s be given to his father, No record of his military effects has been found. He is also mentioned Woking War Memorial, St Johns Church Cross, Surrey.and Rugby School Chapel, Warwickshire
Acknowledgments
Taff Williams
