ALH29 Posted 17 September , 2019 Share Posted 17 September , 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skipman Posted 17 September , 2019 Share Posted 17 September , 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALH29 Posted 17 September , 2019 Author Share Posted 17 September , 2019 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skipman Posted 17 September , 2019 Share Posted 17 September , 2019 Yes I would say he certainly was one of that select group. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardenerbill Posted 17 September , 2019 Share Posted 17 September , 2019 I believe it refers to a comment made by Kaiser Bill who referred to the BEF as a contemptible little army. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALH29 Posted 17 September , 2019 Author Share Posted 17 September , 2019 Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sepoy Posted 18 September , 2019 Share Posted 18 September , 2019 The Kaiser's insult, as mentioned by Gardenerbill, on a wartime recruiting leaflet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skipman Posted 18 September , 2019 Share Posted 18 September , 2019 There has been doubt cast on the story. Worth looking at this thread Click Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALH29 Posted 18 September , 2019 Author Share Posted 18 September , 2019 Many thanks. I will have a look into that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiletto_33853 Posted 5 May , 2020 Share Posted 5 May , 2020 From G.H.Q. Diary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Filsell Posted 5 May , 2020 Share Posted 5 May , 2020 The real question is whether the Kaiser said "comtemtable little army" or "contemptibly little army" - which of course it was! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry_Reeves Posted 5 May , 2020 Share Posted 5 May , 2020 Propaganda for home consumption. TR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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