Who's Who in the British War Mission to the USA, 1917 & 1918

[Jonathan Saunders]

Can anyone tell me if a biography, or references to, Charles Eric Hemmerde exists in either of these volumes. He joined the British Military Mission (79 Div HQ, Camp Meade, Baltimore) in Oct 1917 and left circa July 1918. In January 1918 he was married to Emilie "Mitsie" Maurtizen in Baltimore and there may be reference to this or even a photo!!

Many thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,

Jonathan S

[Terry_Reeves]

Jon

From the very document:

"HEMMERDE, Capt. Charles Eric, M.C.; born Blackheath, Kent, Aug. 30, 1896; educated Magdalen College School, Oxford, and Ongar Grammar School; enlisted at Glasgow, Jan., 1914, in Royal Horse Artillery; went to France, Aug., 1914; went through officers training school, Blendecques; received commission in Jan., 1916; mentioned in despatches and received military cross; assistant staff captain, Feb. to Oct., 1917; lieutenant, July, 1917. Joined Mission Oct. 9, 1917, as instructor in sniping.—Camp Meade, Maryland, and Belgrave Mansions Hotel, London, Eng."

I assume he wasn't a sniping instructor at his last mentioned address.

TR

[Patrick ODwyer]

Terry

Is there an entry for RVK Applin by any chance?

P

[Terry_Reeves]

Patrick

No biography I'm afraid but he is listed under British Military Mission (Training) as Lt Colonel RVK Applin DSO, Machine Gun Advisor.

TR

[Patrick ODwyer]

thanks Terry, much appreciated

[Jonathan Saunders]

Terry - good man. Thanks very much.

Was this the 1918 edition? (Im not sure whether they would have been published at start or end of year). If 1918 edition I guess this Who's Wo isnt the type of chronicle that would mention his wedding or have a photo?

He is kia in late 1918 - his wife goes on to have an interesting "career" - will tell you the whole story next time you buy me a beer.

All the best,

Jonathan S

[Terry_Reeves]

Jon

It's the 1918 edition. It's rather more a detailed staff list than social who's who. Thank you for letting me buy you a beer, that will be the hundred and thirty second then.

Yours (philanthropically)

[Carmania]

Some of the names and dates don't quite add up but -

The Washington Post of January 16, 1918 has the following report:

'An interesting wedding will take place in Baltimore on January 19, when Capt. M E Hemmerde, of the British Army, will be married to Miss Emily Nannitzen, of Copenhagen, Denmark, who braved U-boats and sea terrors to come to America for the wedding rather than postpone it. Capt. Hemmerde is a member of the British army mission attached to Camp Meade. The bride-elect is staying with relatives in New York. The party will come to Baltimore were a simple wedding will take place.'

The Washington Post January 18, 1918:

'The marriage of Miss Emily Maeritzen, of Copenhagen, Denmark, to Captain Charles Eric Hammerde, of the British army, took place yesterday afternoon, in St Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, THe Rev Dr Arthur B Kinsolving performed the ceremony, which was followed by a reception at the Belvedere. Miss Elizabeth Wells of Joppa, Harford county, was the maid of honor, and Capt Paul Rochat, of the French army was best man. The bride was given in marriage by Mr James Forkin, of Pittsburgh. A double line of officers with crossed swords was formed after the ceremony, through which the bride and bridegroom passed as they left the alter. The officers were Maj F H Liebenrood, Capt J R Ralli, Capt J P O'Donovan, Capt J P Pringle and Capt R D Green, all of the British army; Count F de Casteja, Capt Pierre Lantz, Lieut Jacques Raffray and Lieut Alcide Martineau , all of the French army. The bride had been a guest of her uncle, Mr Emile Mauritzen of Linden avenue, Baltimore, since her arrival in this city.'

Aled

(GWF Society Correspondent)

[Jonathan Saunders]

Excellent - thanks so much Carmania. This is much, much, more than The Times announcement.

Interesting mention of Liebenrood - a Royal West Kents officer, same as Hemmerde.

Terry - is there a biography of Liebenrood as well?

Many thanks,

Jonathan S

[Terry_Reeves]

Liebenrood, Major Fitz Hardy Hancock; born Sidcup, Kent, England; educated Wellington College, Berkshire, Eng.; date of commission, Jan. 4, 1904; promoted to captain,

June 1, 1908; major, Oct. 13, 1916; brigade instructor musketry 64th Brigade; Brigade Machine Gun Officer 64th Inf. Brigade, June 1, 1915, to Dec., 1915; instructor Machine Gun Training Center, Grantham, Jan., 1916. Joined Mission Oct. 9, 1917, as machine gun adviser.—Camp Meade, Md., and Tottingworth Park, Heathfield, Sussex, Eng.

TR

[Jonathan Saunders]

Thanks Terry - I'll let you buy me two beers next time.

All the best,

Jonathan S

[2ndCMR]

On 28/04/2010 at 10:40, Terry_Reeves said:

Patrick

No biography I'm afraid but he is listed under British Military Mission (Training) as Lt Colonel RVK Applin DSO, Machine Gun Advisor.

TR

 

"Across the Seven Seas", by R.V.K. Applin, London: Chapman & Hall, 1937.