Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 hello -I'm new to this (or indeed any) forum so I hope this is appropriate... First of all can I state clearly that i am not gold-digging - this is a genuine enquiry. I have in my upstairs wardrobe, my grandfather's WW1 battledress jacket. He was a private in the Queen's and although he was wounded, he did survive the war. As a child, i listened to him tell many stories about the events which clearly overshadowed everything wlse that happened in his long life. Sadly, I do not recall many of the details. The uniform (jacket only) is in good condition if a bit grubby. There are a couple of small moth holes. It seems to have all of it's buttons, a lanyard and the metal Queen's shoulder badges and his two medal ribbons. There are various chevrons and a metal bar on the arms -I believe one might be a wound stripe. Interestingly, when i looked in the pocket i found the following items; A round identity disc stamped with his name A. H. Hodgson and CE 10RWS 63231 A demob handbook in poor condition His two medals, including the brass hanging bar and the two small versions (i think they are just the standard ones that everyone got!) A few photographs (they look like other servicemen) and a German banknote. I do know he was stationed in Germany for a while after the war and he learned to speak a bit of German from this time. A metal Queen's badge (i'm guessing it's a cap badge). A copy of the New testament -looks like standard issue. Before anyone asks, I'm not really interested in selling. My father was made to promise never to part with it and he said the same to me. However, it is sitting in a wardrobe, rarely seen. So - three questions... How could I find out more about where he fought and indeed where he might have been wounded? Is there a more practical way of displaying this stuff where more people might get to see it (assuming anyone wants to see it) while retaining it as a family possession? How much should i insure it for? - i have taken it into the school where I work to show students. It was the history teacher who pointed out that it might be worth a lot when I brought it in in an old carrier bag! I would be interested in any information, comments or suggestions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 First of all see if his service record survived the fire in 1940 odd. This will give you information about the battalion he was in and so on . Then you could see if the battalion had a War Diary which would tell you about the actions it fought in. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@bolton Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Hello Banjoman - and welcome to the Forum. Very shortly, you will be inundated by tips and advice on what you should do and I will leave this to the more knowledgeable members. I am sure that we would all like to see photographs of what you have uncovered in the back of your upstairs wardrobe and I have no doubt that you will be amazed at what this forum can tell you about the various objects. And about your grandfather. I would just like to say how lucky you are to have his battledress, his medals etc and how envious we all are. As to value - priceless. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger H Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Welcome to the forum - what a find! I can see this being the start of a long thread Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 I will get busy with my scanner and post some images soon. Thanks for the responses so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tootrock Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 His papers have not survived at the National Archives. Assuming he was in the 10th Battalion, there are 5 war diaries at the NA, including one for the 1 Rhine Brigade. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 You'll have to forgive my complete ignorance, but what is the NA and how can it be accessed. the Rhine Brigade certainly rings a bell. Does the 10RWS refer to West Surrey? Thanks again for your interest. His papers have not survived at the National Archives. Assuming he was in the 10th Battalion, there are 5 war diaries at the NA, including one for the 1 Rhine Brigade. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 the photos are very faded. I will do what I can to enhance them before posting them, so it might take a while. Hello Banjoman - and welcome to the Forum. Very shortly, you will be inundated by tips and advice on what you should do and I will leave this to the more knowledgeable members. I am sure that we would all like to see photographs of what you have uncovered in the back of your upstairs wardrobe and I have no doubt that you will be amazed at what this forum can tell you about the various objects. And about your grandfather. I would just like to say how lucky you are to have his battledress, his medals etc and how envious we all are. As to value - priceless. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wainfleet Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Hello Banjoman The Queens and the Royal West Surrey Regiment are one and the same thing. Your grandfather's medal index card is here: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=3064755&queryType=1&resultcount=1 A very brief summary of what the Queens battalions did in the war is here: http://1914-1918.net/queens.htm Although I'm a collector, I am delighted that you don't want to sell his jacket and medals. Such things ought to remain in the family, but all too often the family have no interest. Great to see that it is not the case here. Good luck with your search for information on him. Regards, W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@bolton Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Banjoman NA = National Archives. Tootrock has already checked (presumably on Ancestry) as to whather your grandfather's personal records survive and they don't unfortunately. Most individual records (about 70% I think)were destroyed by fire (the Luftwaffe) during World War Two. So that's a dead end. However, battalion war diaries are a source of information about battalions movements although not, of course, the history of individual soldiers. Unless they are online, you would need to visit the NA at Kew to read them. However, other members may have knowledge which will save you the bother 10RWS does indeed refer to the Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey). You will find information on this if you google it. I have no doubt that there will be experts on the forum on this particular regiment who will be along to help you. Be patient. If you don't get the response you are seeking, the forum moderators will advise you to move your request to another area and probably add something like Queens Royal West Sussex to attract the atttention of the experts! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 This is already fascinating. I will get those images up asapbut it may not be until later tonight. I am kicking yself that i didn't write down or remember more of his stories. One I do remember is how some of his mates were blown up by a shell dragging a large soup container to the lines. What a dignified death! I think his wound was in his arm and I know he spent some time post war in Germany, but that's about all I can remember. I also have a few badges and bits and bobs from my other grandfather. he was in the Scots Guards, but I think it was all over before he ever got posted to France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@bolton Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Believe me, it will get even more interesting but there's no hurry! We'll still be here tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMarsdin Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Hi Banjoman, You might want to amend your title (or sub-heading) to give details of the name, regiment and regimental number; that way members who have a specialist knowledge might more easily identify your thread. Good luck with your research, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 I don't know how well this will work. The pictures are in very poor condition. I have boosted the contrast -they had gone a pale blue/grey colour. I can tell you that the ones with the bridge are labelled "Ehreshoven, Germany" in AAH's handwriting. The house is somewhere in Belgium. Sadly, none of the people are labelled. I haven't even got any contemporary photos of AHH to complare these with, although I suspect the one in the centre of the three standing may be him simply because of a family resemblance. I have no idea who the officers might be, but it looks like they are in a bar and the poster in the background may say "Koln" which would put it about right for a Rhine occupation force. I hope these may be of interest. I'll send the medals and stuff in a separate post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Here are the medals and other bits. Unfortunately, a lot of detail is lost on these low res images. I'm sure it's very routine stuff for you all, but I can't even tell you the correct names for the medals. so any insights would be welcome. there is also a demob handbook and his new testament (1916 issue). It's all been sitting in the tunic pocket for ninety years. Thanks again for your interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@bolton Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Just to get you started: The Victory Medal is the one with the 'rainbow' ribbon, the British War Medal is the blue/orange ribbon. These were awarded to all soldiers who served during WW1. You will find your granddad's name, rank and army number around the rim. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Llewellyn Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Hello Banjoman, The medals are the British War Medal and the Victory Medal along with the miniatures, his cap badge and dogtag. This link will help with the medals, http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/medals.asp Regards. Llew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@bolton Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 I agree with Steve. Amend your title to include something like 'Queens Royal West Surreys - Grandad's uniform found in cupboard' That should do the trick! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 As indeed I did, although it was so faint that i would never have spotted it if you had not told me! I have been overwhelmed by your many helpful responses. it has given me much to think about, but sadly, i have to go and do some real work now! Thanks again everyone -I will keep checking back to see what else turns up and I will, of course, share anything new that I turn up. Just to get you started: The Victory Medal is the one with the 'rainbow' ribbon, the British War Medal is the blue/orange ribbon. These were awarded to all soldiers who served during WW1. You will find your granddad's name, rank and army number around the rim. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulianB Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 BJ the cap badge you have is a type issued between 1916 and 1919. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinBattle Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 It's the first time I've NOT found a match in the Medal Index Cards! Can you provide his full Christian names, A H Hodgson? The closest I found was Ronald Reesby G/63239, also 10th Battalion, and entitled to "just" the Victory and British War medals, signifying not reaching a Theatre of War until 1916 at the earliest. Ronald died 29/09/1918 and is buried at Tyne Cot, which means Passchendaele to us here. One of the most bloodiest battles in atrocious conditions of the First World War. If that tunic went through that, moth holes is the least it can tell! This is a fascinating insight, to actually still have your grandfathers tunic! You do need to photo it, especially the sleeves, lanyard etc so those specialist amongst us can drool in privacy! Are there any markings INSIDE the jacket, War Dept arrowhead or makers label? To you it may be "bog standard", but I'm sure the uniform specialists amongst us may even know the name of the tailor's dog!! Any repair patches or unusual stitching, snap it and post, you (I'd) be astonished at what some insignificant marks can reveal. I know it's asking a lot, but is there anything else of your grandfather that you still have, or can recall? Please also check his New Testament to see if there are any notation inside or any other documents. This is living history to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azureus Posted 27 February , 2011 Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Name: Arthur H Hodgson Regiment or Corps: Queen's Royal Regiment West Surrey Regimental number: G/63231 if you email me ill send his medal card azureus26@hotmail.co.uk regards dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 27 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2011 Arthur Herbert Hodgson is our man. If you follow this thread back, someone has already found the medal index and put a link there for it. I will photograph the uniform in due course, but it may take a day or two. he has signed his name in the NT dated March 1917, but apart from what looks like the remnants of some tobacco shreds, that's it. Strangely enough, my son has just been an a school visit to Tyne Cot. Anyway, AHH lived to tell the tale, but sadly we weren't listening closely enough. The soup story is the only one i can recall. I was only a boy in the 1970s and all the stories merged into one. My brother may be able to remember more. AHH lived until 1986, but by that time, I was living at the other end of the country and had very little contact with him. It's the first time I've NOT found a match in the Medal Index Cards! Can you provide his full Christian names, A H Hodgson? The closest I found was Ronald Reesby G/63239, also 10th Battalion, and entitled to "just" the Victory and British War medals, signifying not reaching a Theatre of War until 1916 at the earliest. Ronald died 29/09/1918 and is buried at Tyne Cot, which means Passchendaele to us here. One of the most bloodiest battles in atrocious conditions of the First World War. If that tunic went through that, moth holes is the least it can tell! This is a fascinating insight, to actually still have your grandfathers tunic! You do need to photo it, especially the sleeves, lanyard etc so those specialist amongst us can drool in privacy! Are there any markings INSIDE the jacket, War Dept arrowhead or makers label? To you it may be "bog standard", but I'm sure the uniform specialists amongst us may even know the name of the tailor's dog!! Any repair patches or unusual stitching, snap it and post, you (I'd) be astonished at what some insignificant marks can reveal. I know it's asking a lot, but is there anything else of your grandfather that you still have, or can recall? Please also check his New Testament to see if there are any notation inside or any other documents. This is living history to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanhemmings Posted 28 February , 2011 Share Posted 28 February , 2011 Banjoman Welcome to the forum. How lovely that you have something of your Grandad's war activity. You are very lucky. From the book I have "The Queens Own - Royal West Kent Regiment 1914 - 1919" it says of the 10th Battalion: Formed May 12th 1915. Embarked: May 4th 1916 Served in France and Flanders till November 9th 1917 ; in Italy till March 2nd, 1918 ; then in France, Flanders and Germany Disbanded on January 3rd 1920. I am sure someone with more knowledge will be along to offer you far more information. That is what is so good about this forum. The chap's (and some of the ladies) are superb in what they know. What they don't know is not worth knowing. Thank you for sharing. Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjoman Posted 28 February , 2011 Author Share Posted 28 February , 2011 That is interesting. I never heard him refer to Italy and I wonder if that coincides with the time that he may have been recovering from his wound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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