Graham Stewart

Briliant piece of work - really put's the meat on the bones of your grandfather and it doesn't really matter if his record of service wasn't 'exemplary', he is still someone to be proud of. I recently discovered that my grandmother on my fathers side had ended up in the 'Workhouse' in Durham City, along with her mother and siblings. Originally I thought she'd been widowed and destitute or whatever - however it appears her husband may have booted them all out of his home, where he was still living with own mother and sister. Even my own father didn't know this, but I find it fascinating.

Alison - The badge in question was to identify that the wearer was a member of the "Royal Nothumberland Fusiliers" and was a regimental designation used solely during WWII. I've tried to download your group photo, but alas it's becomes very blurred when I try to blow it up, as I'm trying to identify the Divisional cloth badge being worn above the RNF square, from that I may be able to identify which battalion of RNF it is. Looking at the size and shape, although blurred, it appears to that of 46th Division, which is a tree, and if thats the case then it'll be the 2nd Bn, RNF, which were the "Support Battalion"(i.e. Heavy Weapons Battalion) of the Division in North Africa from 3rd July 1943-10th March 1944. The red 'V' within the square related to the RNF's old title as the "5th of Foot" and the funny coloured square is infact 'gosling green', which was the old 'facing' colour of their cuffs and collars, when clothed in scarlet. If you follow this link it'll take you to a site explaining the history of the RNF;- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Northumberland_Fusiliers

Jef - You've probably seen this from the 19th Bn History, which is an abridged version of the Bn War Diary. I think you may find that the original is available on-line from the National Archives, but they may not include the co-ordinates of the material dump, as it does appear that the proposed 'crossing' never took place as the Germans had retreated on the 8th November, leaving the Bn to assist with the approaches to a Pontoon Bridge built by the R.E.

Sometime ago I posted views of a lovely scarlet patrol jacket, which I have in my collection(Post #277) and today I have the pleasure of posting a photo of the same pattern scarlet patrol jacket being worn. However there is more to this photo than I first realised. The photo taken by Cox of Ripon, Yorks was taken in either 1907 or 1908, where the 'Northumberland Volunteer Brigade' held their Annual Camp two years running. The Brigade consisted of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Volunteer Bn's, Northumberland Fusiliers and 5th V.B., Durham L.I., and the Captain in this photo is serving with the 2nd V.B., N.F. and we know this from the fact that of the three Volunteer Battalion only two were clothed in scarlet(2nd & 3rd), but only the 2nd V.B. wore 'Gosling Green' facings, the 3rd V.B. wore 'white' facings. Taking into consideration the age of the Captain - could this actually be the owner of my patrol jacket - Q.M. & Hon. Captain J. O'Neill, 2nd V.B., N.F.? Whereas my collar badges appear to have been added later and no South African War medal ribbon appears to have been sewn to it - it would be spooky if it were his jacket.

Recently a fellow memeber 'Donald' posted some superb photo's of the 2nd Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers taken in India c.1891, fortunately for me I was offered these photo's for my collection, which were gratefully accepted and among them was this one, which Donald hadn't posted - a beautiful head and shoulders CDV of a young Sgt of the 2nd Bn, again wearing the IGSM and Campaign Bar "Hazara 1891". A superb study of a British Soldier serving overseas in India, I just wish I had many more like this.

I've had a look at this Church Memorial and considering the families connection with Witton Gilbert, believe that this may be him(scroll down to view), even no unit is named;- http://www.newmp.org...?contentId=9195 The other John Godfrey, who was 15th, DLI had connections with Newcastle & Seaham Harbour, so wouldn't have expected to find him on the Witton Gilbert Memorial and so the Memorial Cross at Witton Gilbert may have the wrong details. Now the only way you may be able to get around this is to try and see if the Church Memorial has a more detailed document, which they used prior to erecting the Memorial.

It is quite possible after having a look at the North Eastern Memorial Project that there could indeed be a mix-up in the Regimental details on one of the Memorials. The other John Godfrey, was 32801 Pte John Godfrey who was killed with the 15th Bn, Durham L.I. on 15th aPRIL 1915. The problem lies with trying to determine which John Godfrey lived where, as there are no family details on either of their CWGC burial details - had there been so, we'd have been able to work it out. I'll take another look at other sources to see if I can narrow it down.

This maybe because he was transferred to another regiment, while in theatre. During WWII transfers between units appear to be much more frequent and unlike the Great War, where your number changed on transfer, this did not happen with your number in WWII - your number went with you, no matter who you served with. Therefore in this case only a 'record's' check will help, sadly this only applies to 'blood' relatives and not general enquirers.

Not an easy one really but this is what I do have on John Godfrey;- 45755 Pte John Godfrey, 22nd(Service)Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers(3rd Tyneside Scottish) - born Stapleton, Yorks & enlisted Sacriston, C. Durham. Also served with 13th(Service)Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers - 12/13th(Service)Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers. Promoted L/Cpl & Died 20/3/1918(Originally posted as M.I.A. 21/3/1918), while serving with 'B' Company, 23rd(Service)Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers(4th Tyneside Scottish) & commemorated on Arras Memorial. I would have thought he would have been on Sacristons R.O.H., but you'll have to delve further as in some cases, where you have a person living, but not native to a certain area, that person can be found on a Memorial from where he possibly originated. So you have to ask were John's parents living in Sacriston or were they still living in or around Stapleton, Yorks, where he was born? Many people who resided in the North East from 1900-1914 were migrant workers from other parts of the country, coming to work in the colleries of Northumberland & Durham and many were lodging with mining families. A check of the 1911 Census Record may actually show where he was living at the time. Also you have the possibility of if living in the area with his parents - did they want him on the Memorial, as I believe a lot were funded through public subscription which was 'voluntary'. Apologies for not being more specific, but I did have a look at the North East War Memorial Project and he's certainly not to be found on a North East Memorial.

There appears to be an error in his Labour Corps numbering as the NA website has him as '299182' Pnr James Farrell, L.C. and not '293182' Pnr James Farrell. As correctly stated he did receive a Silver War Badge and is Discharged with 'Sickness' on the 19th March 1918 i.a.w. Army Order 265/1917 II - Silver War Badge 1 - In view of the provision of the Military Service(Review of the Exceptions)Act 1917, His Majesty the King has been pleased to approve of the amendment of the conditions governing the award of the Silver War Badge granted under Army Orders 316 of 1916 and 50 of 1917. 2 - Under the amended conditions the badge will, subject in ever case to the approval of the Army Council, be issued only to the individual specified below, who have served with the military forces subsequent to the 4th August 1914;- (a) - Those who having served as officers and being still of military age, have retired, resigned or relinquished their commissions. i - After service overseas in the armed Forces of the Crown, on account of disablement or ill-health caused otherwise than by misconduct. It would also appear, that as with all Pioneer units during the Great War, he has been transferred from the R.E. to the Labour Corps on it's formation in 1917 with whom he has been renumbered and prior to Discharge has been serving with the Labour Corps, Southern Command. His R.E. number is also interesting and because of his virtual instant arrival in France on 17th September 1915, after having enlisted on the 1st September 1915, that he may actually have been a pre-war regular.

Hi Mervyn - just wondered what was going on, as apart from the attachments nothing made sense. Now for a correction - James Tulip was a Private in the R.S.F. not a 'Trooper' - Troopers is Donkey Wallopers, not infanteers.

Lovely article and well written - just wonder how many of us are now 'old hands' in the eyes of the younger element that is now collecting? I was twelve years old when I started and am now in my 58th year and what changes I have seen, sadly not for the better, with the abundance of repro militaria on the UK market and relevant auction sites. Having been working abroad for almost five years now I haven't been able to attend fairs and rely a lot on the internet auction house of which you speak. Hopefully once my stint is done out here(22 months to go) I'll be back doing those fairs which gave me so much pleasure. Sadly there won't be as many old faces as there once was, as many have sadly gone the journey.

"Impressed" - "impressed"!!! I think not sir - The Special Reserve was made up entirely of 'volunteers' from civil life and up until 1908, when the Special Reserve were formed, they had infact previously been the 'Militia'. On the outbreak of 'war' their role was to act as reinforcements for the Regular Army and as such they trained annually and if I remember correctly for about a month. The other 'volunteering' element of the British Army, who also weren't 'impressed' during the Great War, was the Territorial Force(formerly the Volunteer Force), who followed hard on the heels of the Regulars, some Yeomanry units entering the fray by the end of 1914. The British Army as a whole, even on the outbreak of war, with a rush to the Colours, and right up until 1916, was infact a 'Volunteer' Army. 'Impressed' men - more commonly known as Conscripts weren't actually called on for active service until 1916 under the Military Service Act, after having registered in 1915.

Yippee - have just popped in before I go back home to the UK and noticed the post's. So glad to see you back mate and will be awaiting your comments on the growing RNF section. All the best mate.

If you post his name I'll check to see what I have on my Database. The Recruiting Booklet mentioned by Ashantee, is actually for the 17th Bn, N.F., and bares no relation to either the 6th or 13th Bns. Sadly neither of these Battalions produced Battalion Histories. Sorted - 6/4214 Pte George Matthew Richardson - resident of Ashington, Northumberland. Enlisted into the 6th Bn, 29th June 1915. Was "Sick to Hospital" 15th December 1915 and known to have been wounded on the 25th & 26th May 1916 - probably the reason why he was transferred to the 13th Bn on recovery. Further to my last - On his transfer to the 13th Bn he was renumbered '37829' and recorded as wounded again in May 1918. Merv - Many thanks for your kind words and I'll try and keep the interest going on the RNF.

Another couple of beauties and ironically wearing the same pattern Service Dress jackets as seen in Post #265, which makes them very interesting indeed, as it appears that the 2nd Battalion, to whom these probably belong, were all clothed in the same pattern jacket, with the cartridge loops above the breast pockets for Lee Metford cartridges. Sadly I don't know a great deal about early Indian pattern SD uniforms in and it has me wondering if all British units wore the same pattern jacket or not or were additional alterations made at Battalion level, i.e. the cartridge loops? The jackets themselves are more popularly known as 'KD - Khaki Drill' due to their lightwieght material, which wasn't as heavy as the woollen serge used in Service Dress at home stations. The lad on our left is actually one of the Battalion Pioneers - see the crossed axes, with small grenade above, in red worsted on a white back ground and not fully sewn to the jacket. Usually a small press studd was used to allow for removal, when having them washed by the "dhobi wallah", who did them by hand. The Battalion Pioneers, were infact quite skilled and required to do a lot of work both in and out of the field. On his lower left cuff is a single Good Conduct Badge. The purpose of which really was to show a man of good character and also earned a bit of extra money for those awarded such, in the way of Good Conduct Pay. Lad on the right is obviously unrelated(note hair style), but is the wearer of two Good Conduct Badges on his lower left cuff, above which is the crossed rifles, which is in white worsted cotton on a red back ground. Both have the 'white' foreign service helmet, (your best helmet for parade, hence spiked) with the definative red 'V' flash above the lower white pagri. Again the flash during the 1880's, appears to have been larger in depth than that worn post 1900. All in all Donald three cracking photos and a nice one of yourself - noted the Carbine and not the standard M16.

Now that is a beauty and he's obviously wearing the Indian General Service Medal, but what the clasp will be is more difficult to determine. However there are some points about the uniform which may help in determining a date. Firstly we have the collar badges - plain gm 'bombs', which pre-date the regimental pattern collar so often seen in photo's taken later. Also note the white facings of the collar, first introduced universally for non-Royal Regiments in 1881, replacing the traditional 'gosling green' facings which were restored in the early 1900's The jacket appears to be the 'Indian' pattern 'frock' and I base this on the fact that there is no white piping around the edge of the shoulder strap - in otherwords it's his everyday clothing and not his best pattern jacket, which would be the 'review' pattern. Considering there's only the one IGSM and no medals from the Boer War(1899-1903), you're probably looking at a 'campaign' pre-dating 1899. However I don't have all of my notes here with me, but do know that one clasp they did receive for the IGSM was 'Hazara 1888', which was awarded to the 2nd Battalion. This Battalion campaigned again in 1891 in a follow-up military expedition to the same region of India and again received the IGSM with clasp 'Hazara 1891', which I firmly believe is what he is wearing, based mainly on his young age.

Don't let our Guards members see you describe them as 'private's'. As Odulf said it's a 'guardsmans' uniform, as the term 'private' was last used by the Guards during the Great War. So no matter which Foot Guards unit you serve in you're a 'guardsman' not a private.

Of all the badges which proved to be the most difficult to find, it turned out to be the CSM rank crown's for the lower arms and so I've just borrowed them from the first BD blouse to enable me to get this onto the GMIC Forum. Recently I went to two surplus stores in town to try and possibly purchase a pair, but I didn't realise how illusive these had become. One of the stores is run by a former T.A. Staff Sgt who looked at one of the original crowns and he remembered that on the demise of BD, rank crowns of that size for the CSM began to appear in cloth only for No.2 Dress and the 58(?) Pattern Combat clothing which had been introduced to replace BD. Anyway I'm really pleased to now have these uniforms in my collection and it's been a pleasure to show them in memory of CSM William Gould, who appears to have been an outstanding T.A. soldier of both the Royal Tank Regt and Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and also on behalf of his son Paul and family, who remember him with great fondness.

The first BD blouse clearly had the gm 'Tanky' badge fitted to the right arm just below the 50th Div cloth badge and so I was able to attach a new one. With this second BD bouse I noticed that the cloth 'TANKY' badge had been crudely sewn to the right arm, but on looking further I found two holes that indicated that at one time the gm 'Tanky' had also been worn with this blouse too. Obviously with the cloth badge being a later addition, I think of the two BD blouses this was probably Williams 'working' dress BD blouse i.e. being worn every time he attended the T.A.

Earlier I had mentioned the fact, that the original 43rd R.T.R. slip-on flashes had been crudely sewn to the shoulder straps on both BD blouses, as seen here. This was a surprise, as I thought that these slip-on flashes had come sewn together to just slip over the shoulder strap, so one wonders if the coloured strip which made up the flash was in short supply??

This how the right arm looks now with all the correct insignia now in place. The original 50th Div cloth badges had infact been sewn on by machine and as I don't have one it had to be done by ones own fair hand, something which I hadn't done since my Navy day's.

This is how the right arm looked prior to restoration, with the 50th Div cloth badges roughly cut from it. This meant trawling through a well known auction website until a suitable pair of cloth 50th Div badges could be found to be resewn to the blouse once the remnants of the old badges were removed. Luckily I had plenty of spare shoulder titles so they were easy to replace.

Finally we have CSM William Gould's second Battle Dress blouse, which of the two had, had it's RNF shoulder titles, 50th Div badges and anodised CSM rank badges removed. All have had to be replaced to end up with the complete uniform, which now compliments the one shown earlier.

First decent photo that I've been able to confirm what Hugh said about the 'white linen collar, worn inside the neck'. Here we have Lt-Col A.B. Wood, T.D., 6th(City)Bn, R.N.F.(T.A.), wearing his No.1 Dress 'blues' in April 1959 and we can just the the linen collar appearing above the jacket collar.