Lieut-Col, H. A. Vernon D.S.O. 23rd Bn The Royal Fusiliers, diary.

[Tom Westhead]

Hello and good day all,

 

I was wondering if any forum member would know of the existence of the personal diary/diaries of Lieutenant Colonel, H.A. Vernon D.S.O. commanding officer of the 23rd Battalion (1st Sportsmans) The Royal Fusiliers, City of London Regiment.

 

Lieut-Col, H.A. Vernon D.S.O. was with the battalion from January 31st 1916 to May 23rd 1917 and was replaced by Lieut-Col, E.A. Winter D.S.O. M.C. from May 24th 1917 to April 14th 1919.

 

Briefly, on April 13th 1917 in front of Oppy Wood whilst the 23rd Battalion RFs were advancing towards enemy lines Lieut-Col, H.A. Vernon and Lieut/Ajt A.J. Lissaman were subjected to an exploding enemy artillery shell killing Lieut/Ajt A.J. Lissaman.

 

My thoughts are that Lieut-Col, Vernon may have written about that days events in a personal diary ? I am aware that Lieut-Col, Vernon thought very highly of Lieutenant, Lissaman and that he was offered a commision of a Captain in February 1917 but Arthur wanted to remain with his adjutancy work.

 

Has any forum member got anythoughts on whether such a diary would exist ? I know it is a long shot but worthy of exploring this avenue of research.

 

 

Best Wishes,

Tom.

 

Edited 7 October , 2022 by Tom Westhead
TYPO

[Tom Westhead]

Hi Alan,

I have not looked at Lt-Col Vernon to see if he served post WW1.

I had the idea that a high ranking officer may have kept such a diary of his time in WW1.

I will keep searching a little more but if nothing appears then that possible research avenue is closed.

Lieut/Adjutant A.J. LISSAMAN'S file at the TNA has been weeded, so not much revealed there.

Although within his file is the telegram notifying of Arthur's death.

 

Many thanks for looking. 

Best wishes,

Tom.

 

[charlie962]

Henry Albemarle Vernon DSO born 5/12/1879 was living in Kent in the 1939 Register as a retired Brigadier General. His wife Maud V. Was born 13/2/1894. 

His death was registered Q4 1943 Maidstone. 

Courtesy Findmypast newspapers.

 

One of these trees may lead to an archive? 

https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/categories/42/?name=Henry+a_Vernon&birth=1879&birth_x=2-0-0&count=50&defaultFacets=PRIMARY_YEAR.PRIMARY_NPLACE&keyword=Dso&location=3257.3250&name_x=_1&priority=united-kingdom

Edited 8 October , 2022 by charlie962

[charlie962]

I note also that he, Vernon, inherited Stoke Bruerne Park in 1916 and had a clear out sale in 1928.

I also note he transferred from KRRC, his original regiment, to Royal Corps of Signals in 1920. 

 

Edited 8 October , 2022 by charlie962
Bit more detail

[charlie962]

Ancestry show that Vernon's service file is held by the MoD.

[charlie962]

This link to East Africa ! Shows descendants for Vernon.

https://www.europeansineastafrica.co.uk/page/?title=Search+the+Database&pid=2

Edited 8 October , 2022 by charlie962

[Tom Westhead]

Many thanks for the above I will follow up the links next week and hopefully find what I am looking for.

I will report back either way.

Again thank you for your efforts.

Best wishes,

Tom.