3rd Kings Own Hussars War Diary - Help Please

[Sally B]

Could anyone help me with the war diary for the 3rd Kings Own Hussars, particularly Sept-Nov 1916?

Any help much appreciated.

[GraemeClarke]

Morning

The War Diary is available as a download for just over 3 quid

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C14016557

The other years are here

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/s/res?_q=WO%2095%2F1136

Regards,

Graeme

[pmaasz]

Sally B: I have the regiment's history in WW1. What specifically are you looking for? Sometimes the war diaries are not very useful. Peter

[Sally B]

Thank you both for your help. I had been looking for the war diaries online but had been unable to find them but thanks to your information I have now downloaded them.

Sally

[Sally B]

Thanks to the reply earlier I now have copies of the war diary downloaded from the National Archives, so I think I have the information I need. I am researching Sgt 3939 Edding Flinders, who was awarded a Military Medal in October 1916. He was on Headquarters staff, but I think he may have been out with a working party during that month. The war diary mentions that 1 sergeant and 3 men from the Regiment went out to the front line on 15th October, and it is possible, though not possible to confirm, that Edding was the sergeant mentioned. Edding enlisted in 1897, served in South Africa in 1901/02, and throughout the First World War. The 3rd KOH also took part in the Battle of Mons, and I have read the war diary for that period too. I was in touch with the Queen’s Own Hussars Regimental Museum in 2012, and they pointed me to the book written by Lt.Col. Walter Wilcox. If there is anything you can add, I would be interested to know, thanks.

[pmaasz]

Yes my book is Wilcox's history, but I'm not clear from your post if you have seen it. It confirms there were many working parties in October 1916. Beyond that it's not very helpful, except that there is an Appendix that lists all the officers and men who served throughout the war with the regiment, and your man is shown under Headquarters as H/45012 Sergt E Flinders MM. I think this means that he was re-numbered, along with most/all of the Corps of Hussars. His Medal Index Card should confirm that. One last detail: on p.164 there is this: I quote: (December1916) "The Regiment was now quartered in comfortable billets in a pretty and hilly country peopled to a certain extent by foxes, badgers, hares and partridges. Sergeant Flinders's lurchers unfortunately killed a sow badger, and while the strict regulations against hunting and shooting prohibited any sport, an occasional hare was foolish enough to get embroiled with the numerous dogs of all sorts, sizes and breeds which followed the fortunes of the Regiment."

[Sally B]

Yes, thank you very much. I've got an extract from Wilcox's history (lucky you, to have a copy) and it includes the bit about Edding's dog. Having now seen the war diaries and with the bits from the book, I think I am happy with the information I have.

Thank you.

[ianw]

Sergeant Flinders's lurchers unfortunately killed a sow badger, and while the strict regulations against hunting and shooting prohibited any sport, an occasional hare was foolish enough to get embroiled with the numerous dogs of all sorts, sizes and breeds which followed the fortunes of the Regiment."

You come across similar stories in many cavalry histories and strict orders against hunting reported as promulgated in war diaries - but I suspect it was never stopped!

[pmaasz]

Sally my luck doesn't end with just ownership: my copy is actually Wilcox's own, with a hand-written dedication to him from John Murray the publisher who says it is 'The First Copy'. I didn't know that when I bought it, and nor I think did the seller, otherwise I believe it would have cost me a lot more! Best Wishes. P