LAMB kitbag - is this a rare find?

[Ade Clewlow]

Hi, I’ve found this in my Father’s garage. It belonged to my Grandfather who served in one of the LAMB units in Mesopotamia. Just wondering whether it’s a rare find. Thanks. 

[Ade Clewlow]

He started out as MMGC before moving out to the ME as he was a motorcyclist 

[FROGSMILE]

7 hours ago, Ade Clewlow said:

Hi, I’ve found this in my Father’s garage. It belonged to my Grandfather who served in one of the LAMB units in Mesopotamia. Just wondering whether it’s a rare find. Thanks. 

I think it’s extremely rare for two reasons.  First it’s in stunningly good condition for a kit-bag over a century old.  Secondly it bares the markings of a quite significant unit historically that didn’t even survive the war in its original form.  Sadly there was never a discrete museum set up for the Machine Gun Corps (the MMGS linear successors), not least as the Corps collection of artefacts and documents were tragically destroyed in a catastrophic (from a historical perspective) fire in the Shorncliffe garrison “Somerset Barracks” that became their final headquarters and depot before they were disbanded in 1922.  I’m sure that it will be of special interest to forum member @Richard Fisher.

Edited yesterday at 00:33 by FROGSMILE

[mancpal]

Ade, 

looks like a great find. My concern is that it could do with preserving. I mean ask the forum members rather than tackle the job yourself , if the cumulative knowledge of the members doesn’t provide good advice ( I’d be surprised) then look further, it appears a nice item.

Simon

[Ade Clewlow]

Thank you, great advice.

[caladonia]

Here's a links to a couple of old threads dealing with these Lamb Units. They have interesting photos of the men and their insignia, which may help you to visulize your Grandfathers war.

William

13 Light Armoured Battery, MGC (Motors) - Soldiers and their units - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

LAMB & LCP units - Middle East & North Africa - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

[Ade Clewlow]

Thank you very much William.