BFBSM Posted 4 April , 2018 Share Posted 4 April , 2018 2 hours ago, MissMia81 said: Given the date on this post I know this is a LONG shot, but I was hoping that perhaps a reply was made directly or if there has been any update on this search as I am researching my great great grandfather Octavius Sidney Darby Griffith. Many thanks! @MissMia81, firstly welcome to the forum. Secondly, have you thought about purchasing copies of the 9th Loyals War Diary, as he is mentioned within it, being the officer commanding from 15/05/1918 to 27/05/1918 when he was killed in action/died of wounds. It is available here, for £3.50, and instantly downloadable. Also at the National Archives, which you would have to visit, or organise a researcher to make copies for you, should be his file. This file may contain a large amount of information or none, but is worth a try. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Tattersfield Posted 5 April , 2018 Share Posted 5 April , 2018 On 04/04/2018 at 03:45, MissMia81 said: Given the date on this post I know this is a LONG shot, but I was hoping that perhaps a reply was made directly or if there has been any update on this search as I am researching my great great grandfather Octavius Sidney Darby Griffith. Many thanks! Hello Missmia81, I've sent you a pm which you may wish to check. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithmroberts Posted 5 April , 2018 Share Posted 5 April , 2018 I have just sent a PM to Freddy, having just spotted this thread. I am interested in two old Etonians who served as chaplains during the war. One possible old Etonian was Rev Frederick Archibald Gresham Leveson-Gower, who served during the war as a Temporary Chaplain to the Forces. The other definitely an old Etonian was Rev Arthur Percival Hill. The "List of Etonians who Fought in the great war" indicates that the latter was wounded. I would be delighted to learn more about either. I do have the Crockford's entries for 1923. EDIT - This Leveson-Gower attended Winchester School. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wet255 Posted 28 July Share Posted 28 July Would anyone have a citation for Captain Backus's MC or the dates he was wounded and how he was wounded? Many thanks Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiletto_33853 Posted 28 July Share Posted 28 July (edited) Nigel Gunshot wound to the neck (slight) 5/7/15. Shell wound splinters to the face 22/9/16. Tragically died in an accident 23/9/17. M.C., London Gazette 23/12/15. For conspicuous gallantry near Ypres on 23rd November 1915. A wounded officer was lying out in front of the German Lines. After three attempts to rescue had failed and an officer and four men had been wounded, Lieutenant Backus formed one of a fourth party to make the attempt. Although there was bright moonlight and a German covering party was heard quite close, they crawled out to the wounded officer and succeeded, with great difficulty, in dragging him back under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, thus undoubtedly saving his life. As you know, I have a photograph album of Arthur Backus, I sent you a picture from it, being 3 Trinity Boat Club, Cambridge University Coxwainless fours dated 8/11/13. Andy Edited 30 July by stiletto_33853 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wet255 Posted 30 July Share Posted 30 July Thats great information, (as ever) just what I needed. Yes have photo of him many thanks for that to. Sorry for late reply more hospital visits. Think they are going to give me my own locker I'm there that often. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiletto_33853 Posted 30 July Share Posted 30 July (edited) Nigel, Sorry to hear of your hospital visits, I hope that you are currently well??? My avatar picture is of 2nd Lt. D. S Ashforth, ex S/10428 8th RB commissioned into 8th RB 16/1/16, (KIA 15/9/16) on the left, Major A. C. Sheepshanks centre (another Cambridge man) and A. R. Backus on the right. Taken from the aforementioned Backus Album. If you need anymore on Backus let me know, I am a great fan of his and when in the Ypres area a grave I always visit. I am sure that you know that he was a naturalised British subject with both parents being subjects of the USA?. Andy Edited 30 July by stiletto_33853 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wet255 Posted 31 July Share Posted 31 July Hi Andy that really is helpful many thanks. I can't find the photo you previously sent me and can't seem to down load some information. Could you possible send again. Here, or to my email, (removed by moderator) Many thanks as ever. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wet255 Posted 31 July Share Posted 31 July Hi Andy, yes he certainly was a remarkable man with more character and spirit in his little finger than many have in their entire body. Can't seem to find the Avatar pic alas. Am I doing it "wrong" never great with comps. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiletto_33853 Posted 31 July Share Posted 31 July Nigel, If you have retained our exchange of messages in 2003 on this forum then you will find a lot of details of the RB men who went up to Trinity in those messages. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wet255 Posted 31 July Share Posted 31 July Thanks Andy I’ll look. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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