Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Bottrill Grewcock, a farm wagoner, born 1856 in Barwell, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Grewcock (nee Knight, married in the 4th quarter of 1877 in the Hinckley, Leicestershire district), born 1855 in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. Oliver was born in the 3rd quarter of 1893 in Thurlaston, Leicestershire and was baptised on the 16th July 1893 in the parish church, Thurlaston, his siblings were, William, a stone quarry worker, born 22nd October 1878 and John, a stone quarry worker, born 24th January 1881, the latter two siblings were born in Earl Shilton, Walter, a baker’s boy, born 21st February 1885, Joseph, a farm labourer, born 8th May 1887, Harry, born 14th April 1890 and Annie, born 15th December 1896, the latter four siblings were all born in Thurlaston, also residing in the family home was Oliver’s widowed maternal Grandfather, John Knight, born 1823 in Huncote, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at Croft Road, Thurlaston. In April 1911 Oliver was employed as a stone quarry worker, and was residing in the family home at Mill Hill, Enderby, Leicestershire, together with his father, a farm wagoner, his mother and siblings, Joseph, a stone quarry worker and Annie, an elastic web weaver. Oliver was awarded the British war and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 3 May-17 – The Battalion moved from billets to the places of assembly for attack on MALAKOFF and COLOGNE FARMS as detailed in Appendix I which sets out the objectives in each case.
“B” and “D” Companies carried out the attack on MALAKOFF FARM and “A” and “C” Companies on COLOGNE FARM.
Both objectives in the MALAKOFF FARM attack were captured, the position established in first objective being from L.6.a.45.60 to F.30.c.45.18, and in the second objective, a semi circular trench on the North East side of MALAKOFF FARM.
The enemy barrage in this attack was not very heavy, and the positions were taken with the bayonet and bombing parties, considerable casualties being inflicted on the enemy. Two wounded prisoners were taken, and our casualties were not heavy.
The attack on COLOGNE FARM was unsuccessful, and the assaulting troops were unable to reach the first objective. The enemy barrage here, which opened about 5 minutes after ours, caused a good many casualties to our men in position for the attack in rear of the trench on East edge of QUARRY in L.5.d. As they advanced they came under very heavy Machine Gun and rifle fire, both frontal from the first objective (which had not come under our barrage owing to the short distance between it and the place of accessibility) and enfilade. The gaps which had been cut in evening were covered by Machine Guns from the front as well as enfilade were from supposed strong point at L.6.c.2.6. Only 2 or 3 men out of the 4 attacking waves reached the wire. The enemy barrage on the QUARRY was very heavy, causing casualties in the reserve platoons. The survivors of attacking party withdrew at 12.40am under cover of Machine Gun fire from 2/8th SHERWOOD FORESTERS post at L.5.d.9.4 and support from 178th Brigade TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY. Later they retired to West side of North clay heap in QUARRY and dug cover.
The War Diary records: 4 May-17 – During the day, consolidation of the MALAKOFF FARM positions was carried on under great difficulties. The first objective trench was very shallow and under enfilade fire from North and South.
7.30pm. A message was received from the post East of MALAKOFF FARM that enemy could be seen massing in wood A.26 central, and artillery fire was directed on this wood. At 9 o’clock our S.O.S. went up from MALAKOFF FARM and about this time the enemy put down a very heavy barrage of all varieties of shells, including gas, extending as far back as the ridge in L.9.
9.45pm. Enemy counter-attacked in considerable force (estimated 500) and swept round the right flank of our position. Both the advanced post and the first objective trench were evacuated, the garrison being driven back to the sunken road in L.5.b and L.6.a. As this position was untenable in daylight a retirement was ordered to the switch trench – (the original “jumping – off” place) and this was carried out.
The effective strength of the Battalion on May 3rd prior to the attack was. Officers 35; Other Ranks 739.
The total casualties sustained in the attack and counter-attack were about 150 killed, wounded and missing.
The War Diary records: 5 May-17 – The Battalion returned to billets at HESBECOURT and HERVILLY in support.