Lynn Naude

Lynn - this must have been a big shock for you to find this old post. You are very welcome on GMIC - what actually

made you look here ? SABrigade - Will - is currently overseas (to my knowledge) - I am sure you will hear from him

in the near future. Mervyn

Hello Mervyn, it was indeed. I had been watching a movie on the Vietnam war that evening. I have no idea why I googled my Pop's name thereafter. When his name came up I froze, suddenly there he was. I grew up in a small family where the men all went to war & I had heard so many stories so I was proudly soldier orientated from a young age. I guess my Pop wanted me to know his medals were safe. Thank you for acknowledging & welcoming me. There are some details I would also like to rectify in his "profile" Regards, Lynn

Somme_14.jpg

PTE STOPFORTH'S SOMME COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL

Obviously, Pte Stopforth was very proud of his medal and had his initials privately engraved.

He was very proud of it yes.

No 12226 Pte Peter Anthony Stopforth; 3 SAI

I purchased this group of medals on auction in the U.K. a few months ago.

At the age of 24, Pte Stopforth attested in the First South African Infantry Brigade. He claimed previous service in both the Transvaal Cycle and Motor Corps and the Transvaal Scottish. He was employed as a stoker on the Railways in the former Rhodesia.

Stopforth arrived in France in July 1917 and was deployed with his regiment. In December 1917 he displayed symptoms of TRENCH FEET which became a serious health issue and problem for him. The Regiment was based in Gouzeacourt in France at the time. Although there is no official supporting documentation, he was also slighly gassed at Veinport in November 1917.

Trench feet/foot has been described a medical condition characterised by a tingling or itching sensation of the foot accompanied by swelling, pain and numbness. The symptoms develope after the feet become wet and stay wet for an extended period of time. Cold water aggravated the problem and trench feet became a specifically recognised problem in the trenches of World War 1. Trench feet also made the feet more prone to infection. If left untreated, it could turn into gangrene and lead to amputations.

As a result of his medical condition, Stopforth was discharged as being medically unfit on 6 April 1919 after spending very long periods in hospital. He was awarded a Silver War Badge and King's Certificate for his services. His conduct was described as "VERY GOOD".

I am trying to gather myself! This is my late grandfather, he was like my Father (after my own dad died when I was 11months old) I idolised him, he was my hero. Very sadly due to financial circumstances, I sold all the medals etc of my late father & my grandad including the Somme medal of which he was so proud. I have the newspaper photo & article of when he received this medal. I will let you have a copy if you wish. I am just so proud to find my Pop's memory lives on. Enjoy the medal he will be happy to know it is safe. Kind Regards, Lynn