Bombing course in Aldershot

[Kathie]

I have a letter from Conrad Purdon of the 1st South African Infrantry , written December 1917, in which he tells his sister he is going on a "three week bombing course in Aldershot. I hope I get on alright. I am glad I am going as it means a bit longer out of France now the winter is on and they tell me it is an interesting course". He wrote this letter from Woking. The letter is of particular interest to me because he gives news of three of his cousins, two of whom I am researching on the local Memorial.

Can anyone tell me:

1. What would have been in Woking? Barracks of some sort because one cousin came to see him there - or a hospital?

2. On what basis were people selected for courses such as these?

3. Who ran the course - SADF or UK authorities?

4. What exactly was "a bombing course"?

5. Where would the course have taken place in Aldershot ?

6. Would a participant have to pass something at the end and would have now be known as a"bomber" or something, for eg his cousin is recorded as "Lewis Gunner".

Any information appreciated. Thanks

Kathie

[Stephen Nulty]

Kathie

Wasn't "bombing" the term associated with what we now call hand-grenades?

Stephen

[mcderms]

Yes - grenades = Mills Bombs. Each battn had bombing sections, under command of an officer. This was a very specialised job and essential for raiding and taking out enemy emplacements during an attack hence the courses.

[Kathie]

So far interesting. Anything more - why three weeks to throw grenades?

Kathie

[charlesmessenger]

Kathie

The course did not consist of merely learning how to throw grenades. The students were taught the mechanisms of every type of grenade that they were likely to meet, including German, and how to prepare them for action. They were also taught bombing tactics, which were quite complex when it came to attacking a trench system. Those who passed were entitled to were a red grenade badge on their right arm.

The Aldershot course was almost certainly British, rather than South African, run.

Charles M

[Kathie]

Major Charles, Thank you - I like the thought of the red badge - it adds colour to my story about this soldiers family.

Kathie

[Jacky Platteeuw]

Kathy,

Beneath a copy of the index of a handwritten manuel of December 1916. The first pages states:

'Notes on Bombing'

Southern Command School of Bombing

Lyndhurst-New Forest- Hants

If it is not clear enough let me know I will make another post with the details.

Jacky

[Kathie]

Jacky, how interesting. It came out beautifully. Problem - I dont know how to print it - I can work out how to print the topic which then only prints out the writing but not your picture. Advice please.

Do you think this was written out by an attendee? The whole book seems to be on "bombing". What a find.

Kathei

[Tom Morgan]

Kathie,

If you place your cursor on the picture and then click the right-hand button of your mouse, a dialogue box will open and one of the options is "print Picture".

Tom

[christine liava'a]

right click on the picture, then save it to your computer

[22402947]

Yes, "Bombing" in the First War was what is now called Hand Grenades. I quote from a book on the activities of the 4th/7th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards during 1914-1918.

"The following month of September was ushered in by an unfortunate accidental explosion of gun-cotton during a demonstration in bombing. Major Sewell, Lieutenant Chapin, 2nd Lieutenant Lovett and ten other ranks being injured." the year was 1915. Lieutenant Chapin was my Father, and he had his left eye blown out during this incident. Neither he or any other individual in this accident was entitled to the War Wound Badge, as it didnt occour during combat.

Montague Chapin 22402947