c Sqd 15th hussars

[niimmm]

Hello all a friend of the family has shown me a letter written by her relative who served in c squadron 15th Hussars and she asked me to try and find out a bit more of where he went.

Now I have his MIC and it confirms he landed in France Aug 1914 and the letter he wrote, which was written in 1915 and smuggled into the country after his death in May 1915 states he saw action in 1914 but no bar confirmation on his MIC.

i do believe this letter is genuine so how can it be that no bar? Also does anyone know what c squad got upto before his death?

NAPPER, CUTHBERT Rank: Private Service No: 9162 Date of Death: 25/05/1915 Age: 21 Regiment/Service: 15th (The King's) Hussars Many thanks, Nim.

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

The War Diary (s) are available

1914 Aug. - 1915 Apr. (C Squadron)

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C7351864

1915 Apr. - 1919 Mar.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C7351442

Regards,

Graeme

[Loader]

Enlisted men were sent theei medals automatically after the war. But in the case of the bar for the 1914 star, I believe they had to apply for that to be issued to them. SO if he was deceased & the family did not know to apply then no bar issued. Many men who earned it did not apply either didn't know of the regulation or didn't want to bother. So many who earned it did not get it & not listed on the MIC. I've seen MIC for men KIA in Aug. 1914 but no bar issued. So just because not listed on card does not mean he was not under fire in the time required to qualify for the bar. Don't base if he was under fire only on the MIC.

I'm sure the letter is exactly what it seems & a treasure for the family.

[Steven Broomfield]

The regimental history (by Lord Carnock, MC), Private Napper died of wounds, presumably received in the fighting round Hooge on the previous day. If you PM me an e-mail address I will take a photo of the relevant pages and send them to you.

[ianw]

I'm sure the letter is exactly what it seems & a treasure for the family.

Loader's explanation precisely matches my understanding of the issuing of bars for the 14 Star.

Bar issued or not, he was an Old Contemptible.