Could someone explain 'The Old Contemptibles' please?

[ALH29]

I've read that many things, many conflicting, could someone please explain (in the easiest way possible) what would an 'old contemptible' be?

 

Would my ancestor be classed as one? (Connaught Rangers, 2nd Battalion - British Expeditionary Force 1914 on medal record).

 

Many Thanks

[Skipman]

I took it to be a soldier who was entitled to the 1914 Star (Mons Star) i.e., one who saw service in France or Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914.

 

Mike

[ALH29]

9 minutes ago, Skipman said:

I took it to be a soldier who was entitled to the 1914 Star (Mons Star) i.e., one who saw service in France or Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914.

 

Mike

 

My ancestor's medal record states '1914 Star for 14/08/1914'. He was part of the Connaught Rangers 2nd Battalion at that time, which I believe (and I may be wrong cause I'm not great at all this battalion whereabouts thing at the moment - still learning!) meant he landed in Boulogne on this date. He was wounded in October and sent to a hospital in Cardiff I believe.

Edited 17 September , 2019 by ALH29

[Skipman]

Yes I would say he certainly was one of that select group.

 

Mike

[Gardenerbill]

I believe it refers to a comment made by Kaiser Bill who referred to the BEF as a contemptible little army.

[ALH29]

Thank you.

[Sepoy]

The Kaiser's insult, as mentioned by Gardenerbill, on a wartime recruiting leaflet.

[Skipman]

There has been doubt cast on the story. Worth looking at this thread Click

 

Mike

[ALH29]

Many thanks. I will have a look into that.

[stiletto_33853]

From G.H.Q. Diary

[David Filsell]

The real question is whether the Kaiser said  "comtemtable little army" or "contemptibly little army"  - which of course it was!

[Terry_Reeves]

Propaganda for home consumption.

 

TR