deptfordboy

Yes Tony you are spot on, I just checked in Williamson's book and the pay office for RA was in Blackheath, hence his demob chit stamp from there. Cheers Gilbert

Lovely Stuff Graeme, Looks like Mary finished packing it yesterday . My tin is very grubby and tarnished (it looks like wood at the moment!). what could I use to bring up the nice gilt finish without being too severe - any tips? Cheers Gilbert

Hi Tony, Was going to take a few digi snaps tonight but the batteries have died . The card is for Xmas and New year, and the box is inscribed by the owner Dec 25th. There is a separate card with Mary's monogram, but nothing else - presumbly an insert from the fag packet? cheers Gilbert

lovely groups - a DSO group is definitely on the want list for me (if and when I can afford it) Cheers Gilbert

Thanks Guys, Yes I also bought Williamson's book recently, but haven't got to the part about prefixes yet - as you know the book is a monster and has no index ! The Mary tin has no gaspers (just as well as, despite being off the cancer sticks for almost a year, you never know when the little voices might start again). There is the little card though from Mary and those at home, plus a couple of French cards, one of which is rather charming and hand coloured. I will sort out some photos as soon as I get a chance, All the Best Gilbert

Evening Gents, The postman delivered a welcome new addition to my small collection today. A group to 2 brothers from the Middlesex area. One is Sidney H Taylor, 14137 R.E., his 1914 star, BWM & Victory Second is his brother George Taylor, 36237 A.S.C. (previously Middsx reg), his 1914-15 star, BWM & Victory I have downloaded the medal cards and they all check out. Questions now concern the transfer to ASC - George's 1914-15 has a 't-' before the number, which I presume relates to this? What was a nice extra is the Princess Mary goodie tin from Xmas 1914, and when I examined it I saw it's engraved with Sidney's name, date and reg number, presumably done by him? This humble lot is fresh onto the market from the brother's family, so I will pump the seller for more info. I can also do some photos if there is interest... Cheers Gilbert

Many thanks Tony, Invaluable advice and links from the members of this forum yet again - I should have enough now to do a bit more research on my own. Cheers Gilbert

Thanks All, A number of you gents mention that researchers can be hired to look into individuals at Kew. How would I get in touch with someone like this and is there anyone you recommend? Cheers Gilbert

Many Thanks Guys, I downloaded the medal card which shows he is entitled to the pair. Out of interest, what extra info would I be able to get by going to Kew in person? Is there any research I can do on the demob account slip? It is stamped Blackheath - does this mean that Sawry/ey lived round that way? Cheers Gilbert

Afternoon Gentlemen, I am new to the forum and to British medal collecting. I picked up a BWM and Victory pair to a Driver in the RA in original box, plus his demob account certificate and a 'personal' note from Kitchener. Ok, next step to research them! Following the advice in Williamson's book, I looked online at the National Archives records for his medal card, but no record of him whatsoever! His details are as follows: no: 118211, Dvr j.h. sawrey, R.A. According to the certificate, his first name is James. What should I do? Is it the case that not all medal cards are available online? I really want to find out more on this chap now... Many Thanks Gilbert