Rod Poustie Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 This photo is of George Anderson Great, Great, Grandfather of a friend I am trying to help. He was born 15th Nov 1894 died 1984. I would be very grateful if anyone can identify the regiment from the cap badge. The little information that is known is as follows:- "George served at Gallipoli and Vimy Ridge. He was wounded and not expected to survive and when he did, gangrene had set in and the whole arm was removed along with massive knee damage 10 days after, surviving on drinking champagne. His best mate (a school teacher) died beside him." I have found many George Andersons on Ancestry and Lives of the First World War and definitely need help with identifying his regiment to isolate which one might be him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 It looks like the badge of the Army Cyclist Corps to me. (Which would leave you with a choice of three, less depending on middle name) Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 30 April , 2015 Author Share Posted 30 April , 2015 Thank you Steve, I've found the three you mention. I should have said that George Anderson is his full name. A George Anderson ACC Service No 16769 was discharged wounded in July 1917 which fits with him having been wounded at Vimy Ridge. Hmmmm! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 I was looking at him too! But there is no proof of course.... Unfortunately, the medal card / roll doesn't show him at Gallipoli. Then again neither of the three were - 47th Division and 2 x 51st Division. I assume there are no medals or other documents? Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 30 April , 2015 Author Share Posted 30 April , 2015 Steve, Absolutely right - no proof. I'm told that he emigrated to Australia and all such papers didn't go with him and sadly no medals either - which would have clinched it. Apparently, like many old soldiers, he wouldn't talk about his experiences and the family feel lucky to have the photo because he burnt every thing before going to Australia. A member of the family who has more information is currently on holiday there - so maybe something else may emerge when she returns. I have asked for a higher resolution scan of the cap badge but as you say it does look like the ACC badge though I haven't yet found a photo with similar cap and badge. To pin down his regiment would at least open other lines of inquiry if only in broad terms, Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 I would concur 100% that the photo shows the cap badge pattern of the Army Cyclist Corps of a cycle wheel with crossed rifles behind all surmounted by a crown. He is wearing the 1914 pattern so-called Gor Blimey cap with folding ear warmer flap. That and the goatskin vest all help to date the photo to probably winter 1914, early 1915, although both were still seen as late as 1916, so it's not possible to be 100% sure when the photo was taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 1 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 1 May , 2015 My sincere thanks to both of you - I wouldn't have got this far without your help. That confirms that he is one of three George Anderson who were in the ACC. I'm told that there are other photos and some more info to come. If I think any of that might help I hope you won't mind if I post here for your consideration, Thanks again, Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGM Posted 1 May , 2015 Share Posted 1 May , 2015 If he was from Bermondsey his records are on Findmypast. Reg. number 16759. ***You may find reading this***(see below) helpful, before working through these records! I think they really must be for the man you are researching as R arm amputation and R knee problems are mentioned. There is a great deal of information, including transfers from hospital to hospital, and re-training for an office job. CGM Edited to add that because he was transferred from one Cyclist unit to another he has more than one number and these records may also be him, and maybe duplicates of some of the sheets in the above records. Regimental numbers: 313 208425 NB this has been wrongly filed by FMP. 208425 is his war badge and certificate number (in respect of his service as 16759.) 1557 THIS is his explanation of his units and Reg. numbers*** Complicated, I'm afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 1 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 1 May , 2015 CGM Thank you so much - I'll certainly follow this up. I'm waiting for more info including where he lived - but on the face of it you seem to have found him. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 1 May , 2015 Share Posted 1 May , 2015 There is some confusion on the Military's part as to which arm and leg were wounded (and in which year - one or two places state 1916 not 1917). I do like the bit in the records where he states whilst trying to convince the army of his injuries: "My wounds were loss of right arm, fracture of right leg. My left side is quite well." The Army response is very much "Are you SURE?" Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 1 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 1 May , 2015 Steve, Yes indeed! Interesting too that the military records talk of gunshot wounds whilst he says his leg and arm were injured by the same shell. I've just downloaded the pension records which show wife and daughter both named Emily. This matches information from his family just received. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 1 May , 2015 Share Posted 1 May , 2015 Steve, Yes indeed! Interesting too that the military records talk of gunshot wounds whilst he says his leg and arm were injured by the same shell. I've just downloaded the pension records which show wife and daughter both named Emily. This matches information from his family just received. Rod It's an especially good photo that shows early trench wear uniform very well. As well as the goatskin vest (which was apparently very smelly when wet) and his first pattern ('Gor Blimey') trench cap, he has also split his leather chin strap into 3 from one end only and then plaited it to give an individual look. This was a common foible for some soldiers struggling to maintain some degree of personalisation in an Army that frowned on such things. You would rarely see such idiosyncrasies on a regular soldier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 1 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 1 May , 2015 Being 99.9% certain we've found the right George Anderson - according to the medal card (Svce No 16769/313) he enlisted on 5/8/1914 - so not a regular. The fact that he chose to be photographed wearing the goatskin was also sending a message? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 1 May , 2015 Share Posted 1 May , 2015 Being 99.9% certain we've found the right George Anderson - according to the medal card (Svce No 16769/313) he enlisted on 5/8/1914 - so not a regular. The fact that he chose to be photographed wearing the goatskin was also sending a message? Possibly but with the cap it's just as likely that it's just winter and cold and wet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 21 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 21 May , 2015 Dear All, I'd like to thank all of you for helping me identify the Cap badge in the first photo I uploaded. Without that initial help I wouldn't have been able to find everything I have done about George Anderson's war service and family. His grand daughter in Australia is delighted to have new information about her grandfather. This photo is one that she has just sent to me. I think it shows him in hospital dress shortly before his discharge - perhaps you can confirm or otherwise. His cap badge is much more visible too. I have added details, and information/comment you gave me, to his profile here :- https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/lifestory/48543#facts Again my thanks to all of you - it was very much appreciated, Regards Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roughdiamond Posted 21 May , 2015 Share Posted 21 May , 2015 I think it shows him in hospital dress shortly before his discharge - perhaps you can confirm or otherwise. His cap badge is much more visible too. Yes definately Hospital Blues and he's hiding what's left of his right arm. One thing I noticed, it maybe a trick of the light but his right boot seems to have something over the laces like a strap, possible a caliper of some kind to give support to his damaged right knee? Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 21 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 21 May , 2015 Sam, Thanks. I think it's just the stitching on the boot. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Poustie Posted 28 May , 2015 Author Share Posted 28 May , 2015 Another photo has been found; showing George Anderson just before leaving for France from Redbourn, St Albans. His cap badge this time is that of the 22nd (County of London) Battalion (The Queen’s) which he mentions in his pension record as being the first unit he served with. This link shows the cap badge in more detail http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30076472The photographer was H.W. Lane, Day and Electric Light Studio, 43 St. Peter's Street, St. Albans. The original photo that includes the frame has the date 1914 written below this address. Again my thanks for all the help you've given. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbourn Posted 1 June , 2015 Share Posted 1 June , 2015 Rod I am researching Redbourn & St Albans in WW1 so was interested to see your last posting. 2nd London Territorial Division was mobilized to Hertfordshire at the outbreak of war, with nine infantry battalions, including the 22nd, based around St Albans. The cyclists were based in Redbourn, but I have found very little written about the months they spent in the village. I would be grateful for any information you would be willing to share about George Anderson's time in the area. Many thanks, Gareth Ver Valley Remembrance Group Redbourn Museum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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