Army Schoolmasters data base
Corporal punishment
Military schools for US armed forces
Queen Victoria School
Royal Artillery
Royal Hibernian Military School
Royal Military Asylum
Sir Percy Sillitoe
Wolds Wagoner, Army Service Corps

3 August 2006

Peter, The AGC Museum has now completed the database on members of the CAS held on our records. Unfortunately, I appear to have mislaid your postal address so cannot at present pass on a copy to you. If you can remind me, I will post on the CD ROM at the earliest opportunity - a copy will be posted to Art shortly. Ian Bailey. Curator

3 August 2006

Ian. Thank you for the offer. I can be found at [mailing address supplied]. I am still working on the last ledger for the RMA, 1880 to 1919. There are several entries for Volunteers to the RAEC and also fathers who were from the Schoolmaster Corps. As soon as I finish, I'll compare the results with your data base and let you have the missing names. Peter

17 August 2006

(Continuing, see June correspondence) Art, Apologies, another two months have elapsed -- unbelievable. As usual, I'm trying to do too many things at once here. My scanner still isn't up and running. I may have to get a new one. Meanwhile, I'm putting photocopies of the 1911 punishment book pages that I mentioned in the air mail to you. If you can throw any light on what sort of institution they came from, I'd be very grateful. Thanks for your kind remarks about my website. It still needs a lot more work and I have a lot of as yet unsorted material that needs putting on it. In theory I now have a lot more time for it, having  retired.  In practice ..... well, merely existing sometimes seems to be nearly a full-time job!

Colin

23 August 2006

Colin, Your package arrived today. I've scanned it briefly and I think we can help. Off the top of my head, these are either Duke of York's pages and the Royal Hibs, Dublin. I have to consult a couple of colleagues. However, a couple of observations off the top of my head: It is a military institution with refs to sergeant-majors, bandmaster, etc.; ref to 'the governor' suggest the Hibernian School (Dukies called their Commandant 'Commandant'). What we'll do is to see if we can match up any names. That's the best line of inquiry. Meanwhile, how did these come into your possession? That could be an important lead to us, too.

Art

23 August 2006

Art, Thanks so much. How did the pages come into my possession -- well, unfortunately I didn't make a note of that and at this distance in time I can't remember. I have had them for about 20 years and the most likely source is a person I refer to as "Diogenes" with whom I've long since lost contact but who sent me a lot of stuff in the 1980s, especially judicial CP and reformatory CP material -- he actually was a genuine history don at one of the ancient universities but was always very secretive about where he got things from. Some of what he sent me, though as far as I know not this item, was clearly obtained illicitly and must remain confidential to this day. I think he must have had a wide network of informants. I know he also spent a lot of time in the Public Record Office, but normally if they were from there he would probably have written the PRO number on them. So I'm afraid that doesn't get us very far. Looking at the surnames, I'd say they are overwhelmingly "English", wouldn't you?  And for example not mostly very Irish or for that matter Scottish, with only one or two possible exceptions. Look forward to anything else you can come up with.

Colin

25 August 2006

Colin, I'm sorry to tell you that I got no further with your punishment sheets than determining with certainty that they are not from the Duke of York's, The Royal Hibernians or the Queen Victoria School. They may originate from the Gordon Boys, which is not a military school in the same category as the three mentioned. They could be reform school records, but highly unlikely.

Art

1 August 2006

We are mailing you because we found your site through Google search and your active links page indicates that you are interested in link exchange. Taking initiative in this direction, we have already put your link at our site. You can view your link at: http://www.highrankingsites.com/military/MilitarySchools.htm

We have placed the URL, Title, and suitable description for your site that will surely benefit your online presence. You are free to verify the same. Please let us know about any suggestions or concerns and we will get it done. We intend to have a reciprocal link at your http://www.achart.ca/york/census.html page also. Please look at our information below for this (link detail provided). We will be glad to see our link at your site and have you as our links partner. It will be appreciated if you can send us the exact location of our link.

Webmaster

1 August 2006

Yes, a cross link between your site and the achart.ca website would seem a good exchange. I have visited your site and checked the link, which is well.

3 August 2006

Thanks for the offer, but there's too distinct and negative a difference between the six sites you're now offering [for linking] and the Military Schools (information guide to US armed forces) link we've cross-linked. The Military Schools site is for the children of the US armed forces. Likewise, the Duke of York's (and Hibernian) history sites deal with the children of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. These children are not 'troubled teens', but the children of military personnel seeking for their children a quality education with strong military association. So no, on reflection, these six sites would not in my opinion fairly reflect on your Military Schools or the achart.ca history site. Thanks all the same.

Art C

24 August 2006

Sirs, I am researching the RMA-DYRMS 1803-1922 and the Royal Hibernian Military School, Dublin 1840-1926. I have been approached by a researcher, who has acquired copies of a punishment ledger, which he believe is from the Duke of York's School. From information gleaned from the page, mainly the Boy's number i.e. 1223 BLAKE & 1150 DODSWORTH, there is no indication of Christian name or Initial. Is it possible that these sheets are from the QVS? In the RMA ledgers, there is a reference to a boy being transferred to the QVS also one from the RHMS for the year 1907, this I believe was your foundation year. I would like to forward the images of the Ledger, however. I can't be certain if they will be rejected by your security system. I'd appreciate any help or guidance that you can offer me.

Peter Goble

24 August 2006

Peter, The first Blake to enter QVS did so in 1924 and his QVS number was 1060. I have no other info than that on him. We have no record at all of a Dodsworth having attended QVS. A number of Dukies did attend QVS. Their numbering is not sequential with our own and unfortunately we do not have that much detail on their time at the school. I did contact the DYRMS-OBA on this but regrettably did not receive a reply. I would be happy to have them contact me to our mutual benefit. Sorry I have not been of more assistance on the two names you mentioned. I will look through the others to see if we have any matches.

Duncan

24 August 2006

Duncan,  Art Cockerill and I get many questions re the RMA & RHMS. This enquirer runs a web site on Corporal punishment. We requested provenance, where did you acquire, is it legal etc. The response was, I have had them for 20 years & can't remember who gave them to me. I am disappointed they are not from the QVS. And I'm surprised at the low number of BLAKE at 1020. The average yearly intake at the RMA was in the region of 100 per year, slightly less at the RHMS. It may well be that the list concerns the Gordon Boys School, Chobham, Woking.

Art & I are members of the OBA, yet our letters and suggestions re research go unanswered, which is not unusual for the OBA. However all is not lost. I have completed the transcription of the RMA from 1803 to 1883 and 1896 to 1920; also the RHMS ledgers from 1840 to 1922. A fully searchable data base. Other ledgers are currently being transcribed: an apprentice ledger 1806 to 1856 and a series of punishment ledgers 1860 to 1879. Should you have any Dukies or Hib boys noted, or QV Boys sent to the DYRMS-RHMS it will be no problem to forward all detail. A set of three is attached as a PDF file. It is also possible to display all boys at the RMA-DYRMS and the RHMS, who were sponsored by Scottish Regiments or volunteered to a Scottish Regt. The Black Watch for instance sponsored over 60. In the Hibs ledgers 1847-1907, details include the height, weight & chest measurements of the boys on entry. In one of the Commissioners meetings of 1927, there is a reference to, measurements of the boys and the new diet, I think this was in conjunction with the physical training etc. Also receiving an inclusion note is the QVS. I have not been able to discover if this was implemented at the DYRMS, did it happen at QVS?

Peter

24 August 2006

Peter, Just done a bit more digging in our database and found more info on the first 100. No's 1 and 2 were transfers from the DYRMS and No's 3 and 4 were transfers from RHMS. The first real QVS boy was No 5. The following info may be of interest.

1. J. W. Gibbon, FROM DYRMS, MEMBER OF BALMORAL COLOUR PARTY 1909 RECEIVING FIRST FROM KING EDWARD VII, JOINED GORDONS, FRANCE 1914 KILLED IN ACTION, MEDALS 1914/15 STAR, GS VICTORY
2. A. D. Swan, BROTHER, 40, FROM DYRMS, MEMBER OF BALMORAL COLOUR PARTY 1909, JOINED AOC 1910,
3. W. L. Crichton,  FROM RHMS, MEMBER OF 1909 COLOUR PARTY AT BALMORAL, PRIMUS 1911 CSM, KILLED IN ACTION BATTLE OF LOOS 1914,
4. J. F. R. Stevenson,  FROM RHMS, MEMBER OF 1909 COLOUR PARTY AT BALMORAL, Kings Royal Rifle Corp,  KILLED IN ACTION 1914,

Duncan

24 August 2006

Duncan, Thanks for the details received. They fit well with the data collected so far, the additional information re. the fate of the boys is appreciated. I am sure Art will be constructing a mini article for our history site www.achart.ca. One never knows, there must be searchers out there looking for their relatives of that time.

I am also pleased to know that the data may be of use for your planned centenary celebrations in 1908, oddly enough it also the centenary of the DYRMS OBA. Attached is a PDF file of the 4 transferred boys to the QVS. also a copy of one of my RMA post cards showing the RMA circa 1908. I think this is about the swiftest response and solution I have experienced. A well constructed data base has at last proved its worth. Thanks again Duncan. If there is anything else that you would like to know, just drop me an email and I will do my best. Tomorrow, I will dig out my paper files and forward a copy of the Commissioners minutes that mention the QVS & the boys weights & measurements dated ? 1927.

Peter  

25 August 2006

My name is Marion Morton and I am emailing you from Sydney Australia. I came across your site on Google and decided after reading much of the written material I thought that I would email you in the hopes that you might be able to help. My Great Great Grandfather Robert McClelland born about 1825 Antrim Ireland was a Gunner Sergeant in the Royal Artillery Woolwich/Greenwich. He served on the Troopship the Himalaya and was awarded many medals for his service. In 1852 my Great Great Grandfather married a Harriett Ackley and in the year 1862 at Hilsea Barracks my Great Grandmother Caroline Elizabeth McClelland was born. Other than Census material and a copy of my Great Grandmothers Marriage Certificate to a William Whitehead  no other information can be found on her.   I do have a copy of Agnes McClelland's birth Certificate who was the sister of Caroline born 1864 Aldershot Barracks but no registration of a birth can be found anywhere for my Great Grandmother Caroline Elizabeth McClelland. I do have copies of my Great Grandfathers Royal Artillery Records but it states nothing about his family only about his service in the Royal Artillery. In February of 1865 my Great Great Grandfather married for the second time to an Ellen Carr born in Oxfordshire about 1825. Harriett Ackley my Paternal Great Great Grandmother died in childbirth in 1864 in Farnham with the birth of daughter Agnes as mentioned above. Is there anyway you can possibly help or give any suggestions on how I can find information regarding my Great Grandmother Caroline' birth. As I live in Australia any hands on work is out of the question so I value any form of help you can give to me. A friend of mine did go to Kew and looked up my Great Great Grandfather but nothing was found regarding his family. I have also emailed the Rector of St Mary Madgeline Church Woolwich where most of my Ancestors were Baptised and Married but again with no luck in my search. 

Marion Morton

25 August 2006

Marian, Thank you for your message re. the Royal Artillery. Regrettably, I concentrate on the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea and the Royal Hibernian Military School, Dublin. I have little knowledge of the Royal Artillery. Several sources are available for you to investigate: two Garrison Churches at Aldershot, All Saints, The Royal Garrison Church est. 1854 and St George's. Several other churches may have conducted the baptisms and Burial. There is a road leading from Aldershot to North Camp and Farnam, with many Barracks and Married Quarters along the way. It's possible your relatives are to be found in this location. The nearest hospital was the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot, a short walk down the hill into the town. I spent many years at this hospital when serving with the RAMC.

Any one of the following might provide you with a lead: Latter day Saints Ancestral files; Latter day Saints Vital Records Index; The 1861 census for Farnham; Hilsea Barracks are at Portsmouth. From the information on the marriage certificate, there should be an indication of age, if under 21, it is normally written, in many cases over 21 are entered as Full age.

Logic dictates that when a soldier marries, 99% of the young ladies are local, and possibly living close to the Church. "A spinster of this parish" etc. It is worth following. Have you contacted any RA researchers? If not, log onto British Regiments at Yahoo. First sign up with YAHOO, then enroll with British Regiments. There are many researchers there and I'm sure you'll find someone where who can help. Finally there are the Muster Rolls at the National Archives, Kew. That, however, would mean employing a researcher - expensive.
Sorry that we can't help more.

Peter Goble

5 August 2006

Dear Sir/Madam, I was absolutely delighted to discover, on the carefully-constructed website relating to the RHMS, a relative of mine named William Ernest Bragger (born c. 1860). We know that his father died in 1863 and that he is missing from censuses until 1901, so to discover him on your site was of tremendous interest. I have a number of simple questions which your expertise might help answer, and I'd be grateful for any advice regarding any of these questions. If there is an Irish equivalent of the 1881 census it would be helpful to know how to access it. We have a photograph of a Bragger at an Irish barracks fencing. I wonder whether W. E. Bragger he might have learned fencing at the establishment? Is there any record at the school of William Ernest Bragger joining the 1st Dragoons when he came of age? The roll-call and names list has a 'date of event' of 26/07/1872 - which event would this have been? Is there any detail regarding how and by whom William E was placed in the RHMS - (his mother was alive at this stage, and marrying for a second time). Perhaps his father had arranged it in the past (father had served in Ireland in the 1840s)? Are there any additional papers regarding the child? And are there any PHOTOS?

William E Bragger married in Yorkshire in 1884 and gave his occupation as a policeman.  Curiously he gave his father's profession as 'painter' on this occasion even though he knew well his father's military background. More curiously still, William E was living alone in London by 1901, describing himself as a 'sculptor, artist and picture painter'; his wife and children was still in Yorkshire. Would the RHMS have trained him in fine art?!

Dr Andrew Taylor

5 August 2005

Dr. Taylor, Thank you for the contact, we are always pleased to be able to help with queries re the RHMS, Dublin. Unfortunately, the bulk of the historical archives of the RHMS sent to London pre-WW2  were destroyed during an air raid in 1942. 4 ledgers were rediscovered at the Duke of York's School in 2003, and these were sent to the National Archives at Kew.

WO143/27 Boys admissions 1838ish to 1919. Not a great deal of information, but forms the basis of the subsequent data base.
WO143/78 Boys admissions 1847 to 1877. This too is a copy of the original ledger now lost.
WO143/79 Boys Admissions 1877 to 1907. This too is a copy.
WO143/26 Boys discharges 1907 to 1958. As the RHMS disbanded in 1926, additional discharges of the Duke of York's School are included.

I am amalgamating the four ledgers to enable a researcher to see all the data available, and also know just where to find the entries. Attached is a PDF page of the entries for your William E. BRAGGER with explanatory notes above. From this you can establish that his father was deceased at the time of admission. His father was serving with the 1st or Royal Dragoons. His son William enlisted to the same Regiment on 26/07/1872 aged 14 y & 28 days. During his time at the RHMS he was a member of the School Band. As he is noted as a musician, he must have been a competent player. Most other entries are noted as 'Band'. Entrants to the RHMS were sponsored by the father's Regiment, in most cases at the request of the widow. Training for the boys included Musketry, Sabre & fencing.

Unfortunately the 1881 & previous census for Ireland was destroyed. Your next plan of action should be a trip to the National Archive & check the Muster Rolls of the !st Dragoons; this will indicate the location,  progress, promotions etc. of both father & son until they left the service. It should is also possible to check St Catherine's index, for his birth certificate. If outside of Ireland, then its location will be useful for the Muster Roll checks. There are some images available, but non specific with none for the time that William was at the RHMS. The last thing to bring to your attention are the BMI details: measurements as at the date of admission. As I am still transcribing these ledgers, the percentiles are not available, but I am sure that you will be able to judge just it fits in with the general picture that you are building of him. Finally, visit my research partners website at www.achart.ca  and follow the leads to the RHMS.

Peter Goble

6 August 2006

Many thanks for your e-mail and information regarding William Ernest Bragger, which was not only prompt but of a helpfulness above the normal run of things. It's particularly intriguing that W.E.B. was noted as a band musician - two of his nephews became professional performers on brass instruments, one in the BBC Scottish SO, but this latest discovery is none the less news to us. The original photo of the fencing bout at the Irish barracks, which is almost certain to show W.E.B., was given to the Imperial War Museum by a relative in a fit of generosity - it might actually constitute photographic evidence of the RHMS activities. I've already looked in Kew archives under Bragger and other similar names for Enlistment and Discharge papers, and the only ones they hold relate to William Bragger senior and John Braggor (b 1789, grandfather). However the muster rolls must be of some use. Renewed thanks for this kind information and if anything else comes to light regarding Braggers, please tell me if you have time.

Andrew Taylor

31 July 2006

Hi, Can you help me? I am looking for any information regarding James William Dougherty, born about 1851 in Woolwich, Kent. He was at the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, in the 1861 Census. (Boys in Foundation). I know his father William Dougherty born about 1831 in Manchester and was in the Royal Artillery before 1851 to about 1871.  I'm also looking for any information regarding William Dougherty's army career. Can you tell me how do I get their army records? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Susan Ball

1 August 2006

Susan, I have attached as a card index the record I have for your relative. I have no further information.  However, write to Lt Col R. Say, Bursar, The Duke of Yorks School. Dover. Kent. CT15 5 EQ. Because of to the summer holidays, they will not be in situ until September 4. Give him the details you have: name, birthday, father, mother, date of enlistment and, most importantly, your relationship, (Grand Father or Great Grandfather). Some records still exist at the School, but not all. Regarding his service with the RA. you will need to go to the National Archives at Kew. Try the url below. This brings you to the page where there is a mention of RA records. The files to request are shown on this page, and also below the Archives index codes  WO10, WO69 etc. These are muster rolls, and they should show somewhere details of William James http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm

1 August 2005

(Continuing corres.. See July correspondence)

Art, I have just had confirmation 9 pages of discharge papers for my grandfather's father - Corporal Archibald George Mills RE - will shortly be on the way to me. Interestingly, just about on his 14th birthday he enlisted fromthe Royal Military Asyluminto the REs. It would appear he was born in the East Indies. He was awarded as a sapper the Egypt Medal (with The Nile 1884-5 clasp), but his discharge papers will show where he went, served etc. What I found really fascinating has been that my grandfather's father went to the akin school to the RHMS! What will be equally interesting will be to see whether the latter was the son of a serving soldier and where!? Can you guide me on the approach needed to get into the RMA registers covering the admissions and discharges of male children around the period 1870 (when he would have been around 10?) and 1875 (when he would have been around 15?) ... although would it be preferable to await his full discharge papers, which will give his entry date from RMA into the REs? I continue to enjoy your correspondence with various identities under the appropriate RHMS website!

Tony.

1 August 2006

Tony, It's good to hear from you again, especially with news your g-grandfather's discharge documents are on their way to you. We're both pleased to hear it – Peter and myself. I mean. He's working on the Royal Hibernian admission ledgers btw, so he might be able to supply further info on your g-grandfather's entry to the RHMS. On that score I can assure you that his father, your g-g-grandfather was a soldier. Had he not been then you g-grandfather wouldn't have been admitted to the Royal Hibernian school. By copy of this to Peter, I'll ask him to keep his eye open for - am I right? – the name of Mills when trawling through the RHMS registers. We have the RMA admission registers, but as Peter's more familiar with them than am I you must take anything I say as very preliminary. First thing first though, I see an entry in the RMA register for #9820 for Archibald George Mills, entered age 11 yrs 3 mths on 10 November 1876; father Sgt William Mills of the Royal Engineers, mother Annie. Archibald George volunteered for the Sappers 19 July 1879. That being so, he volunteered when he was 14 and in all probability (but not for certain) went to Chatham to do his boy service. Further, if Archibald George was your grandfather, his father Sgt. Wm Mills went to the RHMS. There's a fair chance Peter can locate him. – and another furthermore, chances are that his father was a sapper. Sons usually followed enlisting in their fathers' regts. or units. Archibald George went to the RMA, not the RHMS. That means his father, Sgt William, died not in Ireland but in the U.K. or some overseas station. Do you not agree, Peter?

Art

2 August 2006

A quick check of the RHMS records and no William MILLS. One was there, discharged in 1848, but not to the RE. Another, a George William MILLS was there 1855 & discharged believe it or not to the Steelbacks (48th Foot). So a confirmation of your Gr Gr Grandfather's Christian names would prove helpful.

Peter

2 August 2005

Peter, Thanks for your email and the two from Art. When I was able to establish my grandfather's father had also been called Archibald George from his birth certificate, which also confirmed his father being a Corporal in the RE at this time, I knew I was really on to something. Bearing in mind it was Peter who really led to the opening-up of this break. Although quite some time ago the RE Museum gave me a list of Mills with their regimental numbers, and whether they had appeared on medal roles etc, I still didn't know his grandfather's Christian names. After identifying who his grandfather father was, I was able obtain nine pages of documents from an excellent RE contact familiar with the corps history.

The material has yet to arrive in the mail.

My contact said he didn't want to spoil the surprise before the package arrives! I think part of it will relate to the point Art raised in his email that his father's father was a Sgt. William Mills of the Royal Engineers. And as he was also a RE, I'm pretty confident that my contact will be able to find out much more about who he was and secure any discharge papers that exist. This should lead further back still: had Sgt William Mills also been a student at either the RHMS or RMA as well? Was his father a sapper etc. I will keep you all posted once the information arrives.  

Tony.

6 August 2006

I wonder if you can help me; I'm in possession of a marriage certificate which has been stamped Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, August 27th 1892, between James O'Keeffe and Mary Amelia Harrison (who was from an orphanage in India). James was apparently in the RHA. I'm unsure on the reason that the certificate was stamped with RMA as they were married in India (Bangalore Cathedral) and I could not find any obvious references on the website - could you shed any light on it? Many thanks.

Ian James

6 August 2006

Ian, You pose an interesting question. All I can offer for the moment is a theory. Applications for admission to the RMA had to have the following criteria; The father must have served at least 4 years; the parents had to be married. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that the marriage certificate was forwarded along with other documents to the RMA Commissioners for consideration of acceptance of the child or children. I am at the moment working on the ledger in question covering the period 1877 to 1907, entering children born in the 1890-1900 era. So far there are no O'KEEFF'S. Can you let me know the date of the marriage and the names and year of birth of any male children to James & Mary, I will then check the ledger for the possible year of admission. Normal age for entry was between 9 & 11

Peter Goble

13 August 2006

My Great Grandfather, a truly fascinating man, attended school at both the Royal Hibernian Military School and the Duke of York's Royal Military School. After that he joined the Yorkshire Regiment on 15 August 1896, being then just 18 years old. Do you know where I might be able to get information about the school records of individual pupils? The one I seek was Percival Boyd, of High Coningscliffe, Darlington. He was born at Cleasby, Yorkshire, in July or August 1878.

Francois Greeff

13 August 2006

Francois, I pass inquiries relating to the school records and registers to my colleague, Peter Goble, who knows them better than anyone. If you have family photographs or documents of Dukies or ex-Dukies we'd very much like to get a copy of them for our website.

Art C

13 August 2006

Art, I have checked the data bases of both schools. Percival BOYDE did not attend either. Admission Ledgers checked:- WO143/80 RMA 1880-1920  WO143/79 RHMS 1877-1920. If he had attended, and was discharged  in 1896 at age 18 there would have been a ref to either his being a 'Monitor' or "appointed Student" and the subsequent enlistment to the Corps of Army Schoolmasters had he passed the course. Of volunteers to the Yorkshire Regt., none enlisted on the 15 August 1896; this covers a possible transcription error to LLOYDE etc. The logical conclusion, is the misunderstanding caused by the entry on his attestation papers. Educated at the RMA - Educated at the RHMS; as you know is printed on attestation papers at that time and must be ticked to indicate the enlisting recruit had attended either institution. Sorry that I cannot offer the searcher further details

Peter

21 August 2006

I just noticed that you have published our correspondence on the Internet. These mails were sent to you privately, so I would appreciate them being kept between us and not for public domain. I hope you understand this. Otherwise, I have your book now so will begin reading when I get the chance. Will get back to you once more.

Nicholas

21 August 2006

I run a historical web site for the benefit of a large readership, not a private pro bono consultancy service for people who want my time for their own ends and exclusive benefit. If you want further information, my standard fee is $200 per hour, payable in advance by PayPal. Read what is posted and you'll note that anything coming across my desk is for public consumption. This correspondence is now at an end. Read the posted correspondence for August.

A. W. Cockerill

12 August 2006

Peter, Today I received from Richard Hayton of the Yorkshire History website a photo of one of the Wolds Wagoners of Sledmere in Yorkshire. Is it possible to find a citation of a medal awarded to a soldier in the First World War. We are presently trying to get a better copy of the photo from the sender. David Nicholson won the Meritorious Service Medal and we are trying to find out why. What caught our interest is the clothing he has on over his army uniform of animal skin and snow boots. Maybe he served in Northern Turkey or Italy.

Colin

12 August 2006

Colin, A wagoner's job was all weather employment. The idea of an enclosed cab not considered. There was a leather jerkin type jacket supplied for use in inclement weather, no doubt this sheepskin was for winter climes. I would consider that he is wearing a sheepskin. There is evidence of two cross straps, additional fastening(?) tied off at the back; the patch on the right sleeve is too regular to be natural, and is possibly an indication of the unit. It (the image) is a cabinet production. Painted back ground and painted plinth. It could well have been done on location, but most probably in or around Aldershot, possibly Buller Barracks, home of the Army Service Corps.

Research of the RMA & RHMS records show quite a few Army Service Corps sponsored children. I am at the moment up to 1913. As soon as I have completed this work I will check for entrants from the list of Wolds Wagoners you forwarded. I feel confident that there will be at least one. Go to the Bedford Virtual Library web site. Enroll and you can then check the Times Index re the Meritorious Medal 1914-1922. The National Archives site also provides details of medals issued to all soldiers during the 1st WW. Log on & follow the direct links to Medals

Peter