Mark Hone Posted 4 May , 2003 Share Posted 4 May , 2003 As a sort of follow up to my previous postings on famous people, does anyone know any details about the war service of music hall comedian Billy Bennett who apparently won the DCM and MM while serving with the 16th Lancers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 6 May , 2003 Share Posted 6 May , 2003 Mark The only assistance I can give is to confirm that he did win the DCM and MM whilst with the 16th Lancers and that he was reported wounded on 24 April 1915. He died in 1942. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John W Posted 6 May , 2003 Share Posted 6 May , 2003 As I remember his title was "Almost a gentleman" Somewher I have a LP of some of his pieces John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewThornton Posted 6 May , 2003 Share Posted 6 May , 2003 Mark I think I can remember seeing something about him in an edition of "Scarlet and Green", which was the 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers regimental journal (before amalgamation with the 17th/21st Lancers in 1993). I will have a root around and report back if I find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewThornton Posted 7 May , 2003 Share Posted 7 May , 2003 Mark I have had a look at my "Scarlet and Green" collection and Billy Bennett is mentioned in an article in the 1990 edition. Apparently, as well as being "Almost a Gentleman", he had a huge tattoo of the 16th Lancers cap badge on his chest! Sounds like he was quite a character. However, the article does not go into any detail about his service with the regiment. If you send me your address I will post a photocopy of the this page to you if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted 7 May , 2003 Share Posted 7 May , 2003 Not much help but interesting reading all the same. Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Hone Posted 8 May , 2003 Author Share Posted 8 May , 2003 Thanks for the info. I'd be interested in a photocopy of the article, thanks. I've got the CD 'Almost A Gentleman'-I'm normally a fan of Music Hall-style materail, e.g. Max Miller but I haven't quite latched on to BB yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 8 May , 2003 Share Posted 8 May , 2003 Billy Bennett was born in Athy, County Kildare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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