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regimental buttons
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Message 1.Β
Posted by SpecialNeedsGirl (U14270238) on Wednesday, 8th September 2010
I have recently been informed that my grandfather may have been in the Royal Welsh Fusaliers however I can find no records on Ancestry.
Buttons showing a crown with three cannons below have been recently found along with one button saying " on War Service" 1915.
The number 70712 is also on one button.
Is this my grandfather's war number?
Can anyone tell me his regiment and how I can find his war record if Ancestry does not have it.
many thanks -
Message 2
Posted by Catigern (U14419012) on Wednesday, 8th September 2010
Hello, I'd suggest you email the National Army Museum in Chelsea (www.nam.ac.uk) and ask them to help identify the button & point you towards the relevant regimental or corps museums. Be warned that members of the regiment you mentioned (now amalgamated) always spelled their name 'Royal Welch Fusiliers', ie 'WelCh' for 'Welsh'...
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Message 3
Posted by SpecialNeedsGirl (U14270238) on Wednesday, 8th September 2010
Thanks.
So used to spelling 'Welsh' this way forgot - Sorry. -
Message 4
Posted by MB (U177470) on Thursday, 9th September 2010
I don't have any pictures of buttons but it does not sound like the cap badge of that regiment.
I would look around for message forums about WWI and British Regiments and ask there, preferably posting an image of the buttons
There are also sites selling badges, buttons etc or replicas. These can be a useful reference in identifying them.
It is best to ask experts though because they will often spot some minor detail that could be very significant.
I don't understand the number, a service number might be scratched on the back but it sounds as if that number is on the button itself.
Cannons suggest artillery or munitions.
The Ancestry WWI records are a bit hit and miss because many are missing but the medal cards can be very useful provided the person did not have a very common name. -
Message 5
Posted by MB (U177470) on Thursday, 9th September 2010
This site has a picture of that badge - I did a search on "three cannons badge crown"! Though it has the date 1915 on it number the numbers you describe.
From the website
"You can see βOn War Serviceβ written on this
badge which was awarded to all those who
were not in military service but whose work in
the U.K was considered essential for the war
effort. It was hoped that by wearing the
badge, incidents of men being taunted in the
street and called βshirkers and slackersβ for
not wearing khaki would be reduced.
This particular badge was administered
officially by the Ministry of Munitions in 1915." -
Message 6
Posted by caveman1944 (U11305692) on Saturday, 11th September 2010
My father joined the 3rd Battalion at Wrexham aged 14 1/2 and became a boy member at 15.
His number then was 1997 .
After nine years he joined the 2nd Battalion RWF which served in India and Burma where he spent nine years, 3 India,3 Burma, 3 India , coming home in 1914, and having been away so long, they did not go to France until 1915.
He had been a musician, probably learning in his early year to play Trombone, Euphonium and Bass Fiddle.
Perhaps that is why he changed to Royal Army Service Corps where his number was 31355. I see another number which is crossed out , it being 7884, probably his later RWF number.
Numbers on buttons I would suggest identify the firm who made them ?
THe 1st Battalion covered China and South Africa
JOhn -
Message 7
Posted by DL (U1683040) on Monday, 13th September 2010
Interesting post, Researcher.
Wonder if he knew Robert Graves? -
Message 8
Posted by caveman1944 (U11305692) on Monday, 13th September 2010
A relative of yours DL ? FRom the WRexham area ?
My grandfather was also RWF Militia, being a bugler. If they did not appear on a census they would be at camp.
John -
Message 9
Posted by Hist0rian (U14627018) on Sunday, 26th September 2010
The war service badge you describe with the three canons on it was worn by men working at the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The badge of Woolwich is three canons.
My godmothers grandfather also worked at the arsenal in 1914-15 until he joined the Royal Artillery in 1916 and we have an exact same badge in the family's possesion.
The 'war service' badges of which there are several types were worn by men on war work or in reserved occupations to prevent them being branded cowards in the days before conscription when women would present men who had not volunteered for the forces with a white feather - the sign of a coward. -
Message 10
Posted by SpecialNeedsGirl (U14270238) on Friday, 8th October 2010
Thanks for all the information.
One of you mentioned the musical side of the army. I know my grandfather played the drums at one time but who why where I don't know.
My father used to tell my mother that he could get a seat if he wanted for the trooping the colour because of his father. How true this is I have no idea.
Unfortunately I cannot be sure I have the right person when I check on Ancestry because there are so many with the same name - George Thomas Davies.
How I wish I had an unusual name from some place other than Wales on times!
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