supersub Posted 7 May Share Posted 7 May Hi everyone… last week I was given access to a locked roadside chapel outside Metz-en-Couture, south east of Arras. It was one of the very few buildings left standing after the German retreat. Apparently, some British soldiers sheltered in this little chapel, possibly sleeping there. I’m guessing this was during the Battle of Arras. They left behind some graffiti, though, sadly, none of it is very clear. Knowing how knowledgeable you all are, however, I thought you might appreciate a challenge! Can anyone identify individuals, regiments, or anything from these rather unclear pictures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersub Posted 7 May Author Share Posted 7 May (Looking at the pictures again, I see one appears to include a swastika, which would suggest some of this graffiti is of a later date!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 7 May Admin Share Posted 7 May The swastika was also used as a symbol of good luck pre 1930s. I’m seeing a date of either 1916 or possibly the top is 8. Neither of which are consistent with the battle of Arras. Metz is closer in my mind to Cambrai, it could be during the last 100 days if it says 1918….. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersub Posted 7 May Author Share Posted 7 May Good point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Bob Davies Posted 7 May Admin Share Posted 7 May Top picture looks like ...... G TAYLOR 8_343 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 7 May Admin Share Posted 7 May The more I look at the date, the more I see 1918. Last 100 days for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 7 May Share Posted 7 May 10 minutes ago, Michelle Young said: The more I look at the date, the more I see 1918. Last 100 days for me. Yes I think you’re right. 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Bob Davies Posted 7 May Admin Share Posted 7 May 3 hours ago, supersub said: (Looking at the pictures again, I see one appears to include a swastika, which would suggest some of this graffiti is of a later date!) The brick with the Swastika on it; top word, no idea yet LONDON BERLIN NEW YORK and then one more word as yet I have no ideas on. For my suggestion of 'G Taylor 8_343' I can give you 88343 Driver Cyril J Taylor RHA. 15 Star , Victory and GW medal. No sign of him having been killed 1914 to 1918 He could be a complete coincidence mind you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancpal Posted 7 May Share Posted 7 May Good spot Bob. A thread in the last few days regarding identifying graffiti was solved fairly quickly by a good team effort. I am about to eat my tea (delayed by goat meat needing a bit longer after all day in slow cooker!)…….. Tea consumed. On the previous thread I refer to , Allen1892 provided a negative image which in this case may reveal a little more detail (or not !). Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 8 May Admin Share Posted 8 May 12 hours ago, Bob Davies said: The brick with the Swastika on it; top word, no idea yet PARIS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 8 May Admin Share Posted 8 May I can see ? J BIERS? ?131 LAB COY BEF in photos #2 and 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Bob Davies Posted 8 May Admin Share Posted 8 May 1 hour ago, Michelle Young said: PARIS Spot on Michelle The bottom word on the Swastika brick reads, MOSCOW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Bob Davies Posted 8 May Admin Share Posted 8 May 2 hours ago, Michelle Young said: I can see ? J BIERS? ?131 LAB COY BEF in photos #2 and 3 Looks like it to me Michelle BEF 10/_ _ /18 FRANCE or FRENCH GARRISON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersub Posted 9 May Author Share Posted 9 May You could well be right about 1918. Stephen Graham gave a fascinating account in his book The Challenge of the Dead of a British retreat along the road from Gouzeaucourt to Metz that was reversed by an offensive by the Guards. Apparently, according to Graham (don’t know if this is backed up anywhere else), British soldiers who had retreated were penned up for a while in the same enclosure as captured Germans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 9 May Admin Share Posted 9 May I can see a little oratory on the D17 Metz-Trescault Rd. Is that the one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersub Posted 9 May Author Share Posted 9 May It’s on the road to Ruyaulcourt. It also has a plaque commemorating a Lancaster that came down nearby in 1943. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Posted 9 May Share Posted 9 May On 07/05/2024 at 20:49, Bob Davies said: The brick with the Swastika on it; top word, no idea yet LONDON BERLIN NEW YORK and then one more word as yet I have no ideas on. For my suggestion of 'G Taylor 8_343' I can give you 88343 Driver Cyril J Taylor RHA. 15 Star , Victory and GW medal. No sign of him having been killed 1914 to 1918 He could be a complete coincidence mind you? I fancy I see C G TAYLOR 146 LAB CO ???? and that the pattern might be 8*843 ?? In which case, maybe: Charles G Taylor Northamptonshire Regiment, Labour Corps 33850, 83843 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersub Posted 9 May Author Share Posted 9 May Looking like Labour Corps could be a pattern (Byers, rather than Biers?) - and that is possibly 10/10/18 in the second picture. If so, I’m guessing the Labour Corps were providing support as the Germans were pushed back? I’m a bit ignorant about the role of the Labour Corps - even though last week I visited the grave in Sanctuary Wood cemetery of a great-great-uncle who had been transferred from the Fusiliers to the Labour Corps (presumably because he was 51). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Bob Davies Posted 9 May Admin Share Posted 9 May 3 hours ago, Dai Bach y Sowldiwr said: I fancy I see C G TAYLOR 146 LAB CO ???? and that the pattern might be 8*843 ?? In which case, maybe: Charles G Taylor Northamptonshire Regiment, Labour Corps 33850, 83843 I cannot disagree with you Dia, a Labour Corps link for Taylor and Biers/Byers seems feasible. 2 hours ago, supersub said: and that is possibly 10/10/18 in the second picture. That would not look out of place supersub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 9 May Admin Share Posted 9 May 4 hours ago, supersub said: It’s on the road to Ruyaulcourt. It also has a plaque commemorating a Lancaster that came down nearby in 1943. I know the one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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