"The Old Contemptible" Magazine

[ianw]

I picked up a few copies of this publication recently. Does anyone know when it ceased publication ? I think it may have started in July 1930.

I was interested that the Southampton branch (my home city) reported 108 O.C.A members in July 1932. My grandfather was one of them. Of these, it was reported that fortunately only 8 were unemployed.

It is touching to see members of the Association referred to as "Chums" throughout the publication. What a splendid body of men to belong to.

[bcerha]

Also when did the Old Contemptibles Association finally cease to exist? Does anyone know who was the last surviving member of the original (August 1914) BEF ? It may be that interest in WW1 was not so accute when the last of these gentleman passed away and it went un-noticed. Anybody have any info?

Regards

David.

[Bombadier]

A few years ago (less than 10 I am sure) on Remembrance Sunday, there was a film of two Old Contemptibles at the OC memorial at Westminster Abbey. It was said that they were the last two remaining.

The re-union parades at Aldershot stopped in the 60s or 70s I think.

Nigel

[Paul Nixon]

I have a copy of the final issue of the OC magazine somewhere. From memory I think it was around 1974 that it ceased publication.

Paul

[P.B.]

I believe the last official meeting of the OCA was at the Garrison Church in Aldershot in 1974, after which the surviving members took tea with the Queen and the association was disbanded.

I'm sure that at least two Old Contemptibles survived to receive the Legion d'Honour at the ceremony at the IWM in 1998.

Cheers

Paul.

[bcerha]

Thanks very much to all for those interesting replies. To think that there were still two Old Contemptibles surviving as recently as 1998 is extraodinary. I will have to try to find out more.

thanks again

David