Military Medal Pte. A Younger 1918

[Chris Davies 1]

Hello,

I have managed to trace the London Gazette posting for this man.

Could anyone help finding how he won it, he is my friends grandfather & the family have no idea how it came about.

40736 Pte A Younger (Beal) Northamptonshire Rgt.

Gazetted 12 June 1918 7016 Supplement.

Thank you in advance

Chris

[ralphjd]

Chris, You will not find his citation in the L G, too many were awarded, your best bet is to try the local newspapers for the period and/or the records office/museum of the Northamptonshire Regt. Ralph.

[Stebie9173]

Hello Chris.

40736 Andrew Younger was one of 115 men (40622 Sgt Arthur Brockhurst to 40736 Andrew Younger, of which 40628 J Anderson to 40736 Andrew Younger are numbered in alphabetical order by surname) who went to France as a group on 28th/29th June 1917, and transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment on 14th July 1917, being posted to the 1st battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment to replace the 1st Battalion (yes - all of it!) who had been wiped out / captured to a man at the Battle of the Dunes at Nieuport on 10th July 1917.

Most of these new replacements were from North Yorkshire and Northumberland and had been called up in very early 1917 to the 81st Training Reserve Battalion. I'm not an expert on the Training Reserve at all, but the men seem to have been at Gateshead from January 1917 to 16th May 1917, and at Haworth Camp (presumably the Haworth near Bradford) until they went overseas.

Andrew Younger was still with the 1st Battalion when he was awarded his Military Medal, and was one of three 1st Battalion men awarded the medal in the Gazette of 12th June 1918.

15673 Cpl. W. H. Hammond, North'n R. (Market Harboorough)

9652 Pte. P. Stockwell, North'n R. (Northampton)

40736 Pte. A. Younger, North'n R. (Beal)

I can't provide any definitive reason for the award of Pte. Younger's M.M. However, the timing of the entries in the London Gazette would suggest an award around about March 1918. The only incident that the War Diary and regimental history thought of note around that time was a raid on the German trenches on the night of the 21st/22nd March 1918. The 1st Northamptons were well out of the way of the massive German offensive launched on the morning of the 21st March 1918, being themselves in the Ypres Salient, but a raid to gain information was thought necessary.

The Regimental History notes:

It was considered essential at this time to obtain some clue as to the identity of the German troops facing the 1st Division. On the night of March 21st/22nd, Second-Lieutenant W. C. Furminger, of "D" Company, a young officer who had only recently joined the battalion, led out a patrol of eight men, his intention being to capture one of the enemy, if possible. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the patrol moved forward very cautiously until they came in sight of a German "pill-box" about 2,000 yards north-west of Passchendaele. The original intention was to attack this box, but, while preparations were being made to do so, one of the enemy was seen to leave it and to walk away in an easterly direction. The patrol thereupon followed this man, who finally entered what appeared to be another German post. Presently he came out with two more of the enemy, and all three of them stood in the moonlight talking to one another. This was Second-Lieutenant Furminger's opportunity. A careful examination of the enemy's wire revealed a weak point in it, through which the patrol passed. Then, when the officer gave the word, a sudden rush was made at the small group of Germans, who promptly fled. The patrol reached the post, and a bomb was thrown into the shelter. One of the enemy hurriedly emerged, holding his hands above his head. He wan instantly secured and hurried back towards the British lines. Although a machine gun opened fire upon the retreating patrol, none of them was hurt, and the prisoner was brought safely back. For this exploit, Second-Lieutenant Furminger received the Military Cross.

Second Lieutenant Furminger's Military Cross citation:

2nd Lt. William Copsey Furminger, North'n R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He himself carried out reconnaissances on two successive nights prior to a raid, and obtained most valuable information. During the raid he led his party to the enemy wire, cut through it and rushed a post. He himself killed one of the enemy and captured a prisoner, finally withdrawing his men without loss in the most skilful manner. He gave a fine example of gallant and able leadership.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/307...upplements/7410

Now what I'm NOT saying here is that this was definitely the event for which Hammond, Stockwell and Younger received their Military Medals, but in an otherwise quiet period of time, this seems like an event for which Military Medals are likely to have been awarded, and the three M.M.s in the Gazette of 12-6-1918 fit the bill, so I offer the possibility for consideration at least.

Andrew Younger survived the war, being transferred to the Class Z Reserve on 31st March 1919.

I will check to see if he appears on any lists of the wounded during 1918.

Steve.

[Chris Davies 1]

Hello Chris.

40736 Andrew Younger was one of 115 men (40622 Sgt Arthur Brockhurst to 40736 Andrew Younger, of which 40628 J Anderson to 40736 Andrew Younger are numbered in alphabetical order by surname) who went to France as a group on 28th/29th June 1917, and transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment on 14th July 1917, being posted to the 1st battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment to replace the 1st Battalion (yes - all of it!) who had been wiped out / captured to a man at the Battle of the Dunes at Nieuport on 10th July 1917.

Most of these new replacements were from North Yorkshire and Northumberland and had been called up in very early 1917 to the 81st Training Reserve Battalion. I'm not an expert on the Training Reserve at all, but the men seem to have been at Gateshead from January 1917 to 16th May 1917, and at Haworth Camp (presumably the Haworth near Bradford) until they went overseas.

Andrew Younger was still with the 1st Battalion when he was awarded his Military Medal, and was one of three 1st Battalion men awarded the medal in the Gazette of 12th June 1918.

15673 Cpl. W. H. Hammond, North'n R. (Market Harboorough)

9652 Pte. P. Stockwell, North'n R. (Northampton)

40736 Pte. A. Younger, North'n R. (Beal)

I can't provide any definitive reason for the award of Pte. Younger's M.M. However, the timing of the entries in the London Gazette would suggest an award around about March 1918. The only incident that the War Diary and regimental history thought of note around that time was a raid on the German trenches on the night of the 21st/22nd March 1918. The 1st Northamptons were well out of the way of the massive German offensive launched on the morning of the 21st March 1918, being themselves in the Ypres Salient, but a raid to gain information was thought necessary.

The Regimental History notes:

It was considered essential at this time to obtain some clue as to the identity of the German troops facing the 1st Division. On the night of March 21st/22nd, Second-Lieutenant W. C. Furminger, of "D" Company, a young officer who had only recently joined the battalion, led out a patrol of eight men, his intention being to capture one of the enemy, if possible. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the patrol moved forward very cautiously until they came in sight of a German "pill-box" about 2,000 yards north-west of Passchendaele. The original intention was to attack this box, but, while preparations were being made to do so, one of the enemy was seen to leave it and to walk away in an easterly direction. The patrol thereupon followed this man, who finally entered what appeared to be another German post. Presently he came out with two more of the enemy, and all three of them stood in the moonlight talking to one another. This was Second-Lieutenant Furminger's opportunity. A careful examination of the enemy's wire revealed a weak point in it, through which the patrol passed. Then, when the officer gave the word, a sudden rush was made at the small group of Germans, who promptly fled. The patrol reached the post, and a bomb was thrown into the shelter. One of the enemy hurriedly emerged, holding his hands above his head. He wan instantly secured and hurried back towards the British lines. Although a machine gun opened fire upon the retreating patrol, none of them was hurt, and the prisoner was brought safely back. For this exploit, Second-Lieutenant Furminger received the Military Cross.

Second Lieutenant Furminger's Military Cross citation:

2nd Lt. William Copsey Furminger, North'n R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He himself carried out reconnaissances on two successive nights prior to a raid, and obtained most valuable information. During the raid he led his party to the enemy wire, cut through it and rushed a post. He himself killed one of the enemy and captured a prisoner, finally withdrawing his men without loss in the most skilful manner. He gave a fine example of gallant and able leadership.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/307...upplements/7410

Now what I'm NOT saying here is that this was definitely the event for which Hammond, Stockwell and Younger received their Military Medals, but in an otherwise quiet period of time, this seems like an event for which Military Medals are likely to have been awarded, and the three M.M.s in the Gazette of 12-6-1918 fit the bill, so I offer the possibility for consideration at least.

Andrew Younger survived the war, being transferred to the Class Z Reserve on 31st March 1919.

I will check to see if he appears on any lists of the wounded during 1918.

Steve.

Steve,

Outstanding, Thank you very much for your support, a friend of mine suggested look for action around March 1918, also Pte Youngers grandaughter, the only bit of information she knew was that he was at Passchendaele

Thank you

Chris

[Stebie9173]

I can't find any note of Andrew Younger being wounded, though my lists are by no means complete at the moment. I would appreciate any update you can give me if you find him in the local newspapers.

I shall flag him up for future reference if I locate any more information.

Steve.

[Chris Davies 1]

Hello Chris.

40736 Andrew Younger was one of 115 men (40622 Sgt Arthur Brockhurst to 40736 Andrew Younger, of which 40628 J Anderson to 40736 Andrew Younger are numbered in alphabetical order by surname) who went to France as a group on 28th/29th June 1917, and transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment on 14th July 1917, being posted to the 1st battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment to replace the 1st Battalion (yes - all of it!) who had been wiped out / captured to a man at the Battle of the Dunes at Nieuport on 10th July 1917.

Most of these new replacements were from North Yorkshire and Northumberland and had been called up in very early 1917 to the 81st Training Reserve Battalion. I'm not an expert on the Training Reserve at all, but the men seem to have been at Gateshead from January 1917 to 16th May 1917, and at Haworth Camp (presumably the Haworth near Bradford) until they went overseas.

Andrew Younger was still with the 1st Battalion when he was awarded his Military Medal, and was one of three 1st Battalion men awarded the medal in the Gazette of 12th June 1918.

15673 Cpl. W. H. Hammond, North'n R. (Market Harboorough)

9652 Pte. P. Stockwell, North'n R. (Northampton)

40736 Pte. A. Younger, North'n R. (Beal)

I can't provide any definitive reason for the award of Pte. Younger's M.M. However, the timing of the entries in the London Gazette would suggest an award around about March 1918. The only incident that the War Diary and regimental history thought of note around that time was a raid on the German trenches on the night of the 21st/22nd March 1918. The 1st Northamptons were well out of the way of the massive German offensive launched on the morning of the 21st March 1918, being themselves in the Ypres Salient, but a raid to gain information was thought necessary.

The Regimental History notes:

It was considered essential at this time to obtain some clue as to the identity of the German troops facing the 1st Division. On the night of March 21st/22nd, Second-Lieutenant W. C. Furminger, of "D" Company, a young officer who had only recently joined the battalion, led out a patrol of eight men, his intention being to capture one of the enemy, if possible. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the patrol moved forward very cautiously until they came in sight of a German "pill-box" about 2,000 yards north-west of Passchendaele. The original intention was to attack this box, but, while preparations were being made to do so, one of the enemy was seen to leave it and to walk away in an easterly direction. The patrol thereupon followed this man, who finally entered what appeared to be another German post. Presently he came out with two more of the enemy, and all three of them stood in the moonlight talking to one another. This was Second-Lieutenant Furminger's opportunity. A careful examination of the enemy's wire revealed a weak point in it, through which the patrol passed. Then, when the officer gave the word, a sudden rush was made at the small group of Germans, who promptly fled. The patrol reached the post, and a bomb was thrown into the shelter. One of the enemy hurriedly emerged, holding his hands above his head. He wan instantly secured and hurried back towards the British lines. Although a machine gun opened fire upon the retreating patrol, none of them was hurt, and the prisoner was brought safely back. For this exploit, Second-Lieutenant Furminger received the Military Cross.

Second Lieutenant Furminger's Military Cross citation:

2nd Lt. William Copsey Furminger, North'n R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He himself carried out reconnaissances on two successive nights prior to a raid, and obtained most valuable information. During the raid he led his party to the enemy wire, cut through it and rushed a post. He himself killed one of the enemy and captured a prisoner, finally withdrawing his men without loss in the most skilful manner. He gave a fine example of gallant and able leadership.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/307...upplements/7410

Now what I'm NOT saying here is that this was definitely the event for which Hammond, Stockwell and Younger received their Military Medals, but in an otherwise quiet period of time, this seems like an event for which Military Medals are likely to have been awarded, and the three M.M.s in the Gazette of 12-6-1918 fit the bill, so I offer the possibility for consideration at least.

Andrew Younger survived the war, being transferred to the Class Z Reserve on 31st March 1919.

I will check to see if he appears on any lists of the wounded during 1918.

Steve.

Thanks Steve,

One last favour, could you tell me how I obtain a copy of his MM card from the nat/archives online, I havebeen given a link but from another source but I can't seem to get the connection

Once again many thanks

Chris

[Stebie9173]

You will need to follow the link below:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...p;resultcount=3

Then click on Add to Shopping, then click on Checkout.

Cost is £2.00 for the Card (it will come with 5 unrelated cards). It won't add any more information, but should confirm the battalion and Gazette date (I noted these down at the National Archives many moons ago, and don't have a copy myself).

If you send me a Personal Message with your e-mail address (click on my name in the left column, and select send message) I will send you a copy of his medal roll page.

Steve.

P.S. You only have to click on Fast Reply at the bottom of the page to reply to the messages. That avoids the quoting of previous postings.

[sarahniceone]

Thanks Steve,

One last favour, could you tell me how I obtain a copy of his MM card from the nat/archives online, I havebeen given a link but from another source but I can't seem to get the connection

Once again many thanks

Chris

[sarahniceone]

hi

firstly I must say that I am new to this site. I see that you mentioned a relative of mine william copsey furminger. I would love to find out more about him and would be extremely grateful if anyone can help me. .I know about the mc but not much else !!!

regards sarah

[Stebie9173]

Hello Sarah

I'll have a look at what I've got on him .... after tea!

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

Just to start - here he is from a line up of 1st battalion officers in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.

Steve.

[sarahniceone]

Hello Sarah

I'll have a look at what I've got one him .... after tea!

Steve.

thanx v much

sarah

[7:29am]

alright Sarahniceone

His mic is available. but apparently i am not allowed to upload this type of file. shows he went to France on 19-11-1917

[Stebie9173]

William Furminger served with the Northamptonshire Regiment long after the First World War, and it seems through the Second as well. As a result, the Ministry of Defence probably still hold his records.

As far as I can gather this is the basic "framework" of his service.

- Born in 1898 (Sheppey, kent Reg. District).

- Trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

- Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Northamptonshire Regiment (Regular Army) on 1st May 1917.

- Served in the UK with 3rd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment at Chatham.

- Embarked to France on 19th November 1917 (possibly just after his 19th birthday).

- Served with 1st battalion Northamptonshire Regiment in France and Flanders through 1918.

- Awarded the Military Cross as a Second Lieutenant for bravery during a raid on the night of the 21st/22nd March 1918 at Ypres.

- Promoted to Lieutenant, effective from 1-11-1918, London Gazette 5-2-1919.

- Served with 1st battalion as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine in early 1919.

- Captain of the 1st Battalion (Association) Football team in late 1918/early 1919.

- Continued serving with the 1st battalion whilst they were stationed at Templemore Barracks, Co. Tipperary, Ireland in the early 1920s.

- The 1st Battalion served in Ireland until 1925, returning to England at Aldershot until 1927 when they went to Shanghai/China. In 1928 they moved to Malta, and then on to Palestine (1929).

- At some point prior to this Captain Furminger returned to the UK (or remained there when the 1st Battalion departed overseas) and was with the 2nd Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment at Colchester by May of 1928. {Source: Times of 24-5-1928- Army Cricket Scores! (five wickets, and 22 runs against a Bury and West Suffolk team) He appears to have been a pretty good bowler, but not so hot with the bat...}

- Promoted to Captain, 8-7-1928

- Attached to the 4th Battalion Northamptonshire (Territorial Army) as Adjutant from 1st February 1929 to 1st February 1933.

- In 1936, he appears to be based in Northampton, so by now he is possibly on the staff of the Regimental Depot at Northampton.

- Promoted to Major, 1st August 1938.

- Again I do not know who Major Furminger served with in the Second World War (though I have this nagging feeling that I should!)

- Gazetted as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) as a Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel), 1st January 1945 (New Year's Honours).

- Placed on retire pay, 29th April 1950 due to reaching the age limit for active service.

Entries in the London Gazette

London Gazette 30-4-1917

War Office,

30th April, 1917.

REGULAR FORCES.

The undermentioned Gentlemen Cadets, from the R. Mil. Coll., to be 2nd Lts. 1st May 1917: —

INFANTRY.

North'n R.—

William Copsey Furminger.

Edgar Herbert Jones.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/300...upplements/4082

London Gazette 22-6-1918

2nd Lt. William Copsey Furminger, North'n R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He himself carried out reconnaissances on two successive nights prior to a raid, and obtained most valuable information. During the raid he led his party to the enemy wire, cut through it and rushed a post. He himself killed one of the enemy and captured a prisoner, finally withdrawing his men without loss in the most skilful manner. He gave a fine example of gallant and able leadership.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/307...upplements/7410

London Gazette 5-2-1919

The undermentioned 2nd Lts. to be Lts. : —

North'n R.—W. C. Furminger, M.C. 1st Nov. 1918.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/311...upplements/1885

London Gazette 24-8-1928

War Office,

21st August, 1928.

REGULAR ARMY.

INFANTRY.

North'n R.—Lt. W. C. Furminger, M.C., to be Capt. 8th July 1928.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33415/pages/5639

London Gazette 5-3-1929

TERRITORIAL ARMY.

INFANTRY.

4th Bn. North'n R.—Capt. W. C. Furminger, M.C., North'n R., to be Adjt. 1st Feb. 1929.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33474/pages/1577

London Gazette 21-2-1933

War Office,

21st February, 1933.

REGULAR ARMY.

INFANTRY.

North'n R.—Capt. W. C. Furminger, M.C., is restd. to the estabt. 1st Feb. 1933.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/339...upplements/1178

TERRITORIAL ARMY.

4th Bn. North'n R.—

Capt. W. C. Furminger, M.C., North'n R;, vacates the appt. of Adjt. 1st Feb. 1933.

Lt. D. E. Taunton, North'n R., to be Adjt., and is granted the temp, rank of Capt. in the T.A. (with pay & allces. of a Lt.) whilst holding that appt. 1st Feb. 1933.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/339...upplements/1179

London Gazette 5-8-1938

The undermentioned Capts. to be Majs. 1st Aug. 1938:—

North'n R.

W. B. Spencer.

B. A. E. M. Hall.

J. V. Brewin, M.C.

W. G. Dipper.

W. C. Furminger, M.C.

W. E. Carrick, M.C.

L. O. A. Hunt.

A. A. Crook.

H. N. Drake.

G. P. Clark.

J. R. Wetherall.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/345...upplements/5025

London Gazette 1-1-1945

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

St. James's Palace, S.W.I.

1st January, 1945.

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: —

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:—

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) William Copsey Furminger, M.C. (15586), The Northamptonshire Regiment.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36866/supplements/12

London Gazette 28-4-1950

War Office, 28th April, 1950.

REGULAR ARMY.

INFANTRY.

North'n R.

Maj. W. C. FURMINGER, O.B.E., M.C. (15586), having exceeded the age limit for retirement, is placed on ret. pay, 29th Apr. 1950, and is granted

the hon. rank of Col.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/388...upplements/2099

I hope this help a little,

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

Here's the article mentioning Sec. Lt. Furminger as captain of the battalion Footbal team.

The reference to 2nd Division in the article text is a mistake - it is 2nd Brigade of 1st Division.

Steve.

[sarahniceone]

Just to start - here he is from a line up of 1st battalion officers in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.

Steve.

[sarahniceone]

hello steve

I am absolutely overjoyed I am so excited about all the info that you have sent me - it is amazing. I have done lots of family tree research but not delved into the military side until recently. I cannot believe how much info you have provided me with - you are very kind - THANK YOU. I am now going to ring my father who will be even more excited than me (if thats poss).

thanks again regards sarah

[Stebie9173]

Sarah,

Though not particularly within the remit of this Forum, I have had a quick look at the later Regimental history and William Furminger gets a few mentions.

- In late 1936 he is a Captain with the 1st battalion in India, when he was appointed as Adjutant of the battalion from some time in November 1936 when he replaced the previous Adjutant Lt. Osborne-Smith who had gone to hospital. The 1st Northamptons had left their base in Jullundur on 22nd October 1936 as part of a campaign in Waziristan against the Mahsud tribesmen.

- There is no further mention of his part in the campaign in the Regimental history, but he does seems to have taken part in the Waziristan campaign. The battalion's role in the campaign is covered in the book - "JUST AS GOOD AS THE REST" A British Battalion In The FAQIR of IPI's WAR Indian N.W.F. 1936-37 by Geofrey Moore. The campaign is also covered in the History of the Northamptonshire Regiment 1934-1960 by W A Jervois, which is where the mention of him being Adjutant is derived.

(General photos of the Regiment on campaign in Waziristan can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29031004@N06/...57608579921184/ )

- After that he reappears in the Regimental history in 1940 when the 50th (Holding) Battalion came into existence on 12th June 1940 at Beccles, Suffolk, with Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) W C Furminger in command. The battalion was a training battalion, and moved from Halesworth to Redisham and on to Euston Park, Thetford in June 1940. The battalion, though quickly drained of its trained men to operational units, also took part in coastal defence duties. The 50th (Holding) Battalion was renamed on 9th October 1940 to the 6th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, retaining its training duties. The battalion was based at Clacton-on-Sea from mid-October 1940, which obviously gave rise to more costal defence duties. After a short period of training at Colchester in early summer 1941, the 6th Northamptons moved to Much Hadham in July 1941. More moves followed to Upminster (January 1942), Felixstowe (May 1942) and Sheringham (September 1942). In May 1942 Lieut.-Col. Furminger left the battalion to take an appointment on the Staff.

- In mid-1943 he returned to the Northamptonshire Regiment, this time as commanding officer of the 4th Battalion (Territorial Army). The battalion was based at Rayleigh in the early part of 1943, then at High Wycombe until October, before moving to Hythe and Folkestone. In the first half of 1944 the battalion took part in "Operation Flake" (part of the larger "Operation Quicksilver"), a deception scheme designed to draw attention away from the D-Day landings maintaining a completely fake landing craft flotilla on the river Deben on the Norfolk coast. The 4th Battalion moved on to Cornwall in September 1944 training for a landing to liberate the Channel Islands before the end of the war. This operation never materialised, and the battalion instead was mobilised for duty in Holland and Germany as an operational unit as part of the 2nd Army, embarking overseas to North-West Europe (i.e Holland and Germany) from Tilbury on 12th February 1945.

(Though I don't know I suspect that William Furminger's O.B.E. may relate to his and his battalion's efforts during Operation Flake/Quicksilver)

There are some extracts of a book on the deception operation here: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=GXLFo4_...um=10#PPA138,M1

There is also a book on Operation Quicksilver itself : http://www.parishchest.com/shop/index.php?...ry+Publications

- The 4th Battalion saw active service in Holland and Germany until the end of the war, though they did not take any major part in any major battle. They were at first at Asten near Eindhoven before taking over a portion of the front line at the river Maas on 23-2-1945, where they sent patrols across the river on three occasions, the last leading to the patrol having to swim back across the river under fire, losing four men. In March the British 2nd Army crossed the Maas by pontoon bridge, and the battalion played its part in that crossing. With the German front line now on the Rhine, the 4th Battalion spent some time around Brussels (some of the men visiting the Waterloo battlefield), and was then divided into Companies, who were attached toi various other units. Some of these assisted in the operations in support of the Rhine Crossings near Wesel on 23rd March 1945. Lt. Col. Furminger stayed with the 4th Battalion in Germany (the battalion was employed guarding bridge over the Rhine and other installations) until February 1946 when he "moved on to take up another appointment".

- He also appears to have been Commanding Officer of No. 112 Transit Camp at Calais in 1946:

http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/dbtw-wpd/...mp;FG=0&QS=

This may be the "another appointment" referred to in the Regimental history.

I would GUESS that his medal entitlement was:

- Order of the British Empire (WW2, George VI)

- Military Cross (WW1, George V)

- British War Medal (WW1)

- Victory Medal (WW1)

- India General Service Medal 1936-39 with clasp for "North West Frontier 1937-36" and possibly "North West Frontier 1937-39" (Inter-wars)

- 1939-45 War Medal (WW2) - 28 days or more service during WW2.

- 1939-45 Star (WW2) - due to six months service in an operational theatre of war with 4th Battalion, even though some of it was after V.E. day.

- France and Germany Star (WW2) - for service with 4th Battalion

- Defence Medal (WW2) - possible entitlement from his UK service, but not definite.

He would not have been entitled to the 1914 or 1914-15 Star (due to not serving overseas before 31-12-1915)

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

By the way, the Northamptonshire Regiment musuem appear to have a MUCH better quality picture (probably the original) of the 1st battalion officers at Duisdorf (Bonn) in their archive, (and the football team one as well, apparently) so it may well be worth contacting them.

http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&q=...hire&m=text

http://www.armymuseums.org.uk/museums/0000...Collections.htm

I'm also sure that they will have more information on him than I can gather....

Note that while the Regimental Museum is at Abington Park, the archivists are usually at the other Museum on Guildhall Street.

Steve.

[Chris Davies 1]

Steve,

Some outstanding work here.

Thank you for providing two families with such detailed information on their relatives

Chris

[sarahniceone]

By the way, the Northamptonshire Regiment musuem appear to have a MUCH better quality picture (probably the original) of the 1st battalion officers at Duisdorf (Bonn) in their archive, (and the football team one as well, apparently) so it may well be worth contacting them.

http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&q=...hire&m=text

http://www.armymuseums.org.uk/museums/0000...Collections.htm

I'm also sure that they will have more information on him than I can gather....

Note that while the Regimental Museum is at Abington Park, the archivists are usually at the other Museum on Guildhall Street.

Hi thank you so much for all your help sorry for delay in replying but i have had computer probs so i hadnt read your last lot of info until this morning.

You are increadibly kind and have helped me get to know william so much better. My father as expected was thrilled also.

i will look at abington museum and have been in touch with someone at the main museum.

Thanks very muh again regards sarah

Steve.

[sarahniceone]

Hi thank you so much for all your help sorry for delay in replying but i have had computer probs so i hadnt read your last lot of info until this morning.

You are increadibly kind and have helped me get to know william so much better. My father as expected was thrilled also.

i will look at abington museum and have been in touch with someone at the main museum.

Thanks very muh again regards sarah

[deumaneen]

A small aside but the chain of office of the Chairman of The Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland (I am the incumbent) informs that Col. Furnminger OBE MC was chairman for the years 1963-68. 
He must have come to reside in 🇮🇪 in retirement.