Firstly hello to all members new and old . I joined this forum to help with the research of my Great granddad BATTERT SERGEANT MAJOR HARRY CLACHER. I will apologize in advance for the newbie questions. I don't have his military records and I don't have in my possession a copy of his death certificate to apply for these yet also. I have a 60 year photo album varying from 1916 to 1986... And also some references for jobs after the war (2) and a red cross letter tosto his wife after been liberated. Facts I know: He served in the royal artillery ( Later anti tank detachment) from 1916 though to decommissioning after ww2 . He was reported last seen on the beach of Dunkirk early may 1940 .( Paper clipping) He was a prisoner of war at stalag 20a after this untill he was liberated somewhere by Americans in August 1945. I've attached a photo of him and a photo of his medals ( apologies for quality it's a photo of a photo , medals are still in the family though fortunately). If any one can't point me into the right direction on this forum that would be great and if anyone who served or who has family whom served with him any information would be massively appreciated. Also any info on the medals in the photos would be a great help too. Again apologies if this post is in the wrong section. Kind regards Paul Clacher
Hello and welcome to the forum Paul. Don't worry about newbie questions-I can assure you we've all had them at one time or another. There are no stupid questions just stupid answers (well from some of the members anyway!). It still is the best thing to apply for service records from the MOD when you get your father's death certificate, as there is rather a long wait for them at the moment. Get a copy of military service records I'm certain that you won't have long to wait for members to come along with more specific answers to your questions. Look forward to seeing your photos in future posts, and good luck with the rest of your research. Lesley
Thank you Lesley for your reply and kind welcome... Im going to get them filled out tonight... The more and more I look at the album the more and more questions I have . It's very detailed before and after both wars not much apart from newspaper cuttings . The album is great his humour comes through in it . Little notes and quotes Thanks again Paul
Welcome aboard Paul. That is an interesting array of medals for the family. Do I spot a Meritorious Service Medal at the end of the set of minitures?
Thanks bamboo43 I really wish I knew .( Attached full photo). the chap further back was my grandad Colin.. Harry at the front sitting down .. he had 3 sons whom served .. 2 in the navy , one been my grandad Colin Clacher served on HMS Beagle throughout ww2 and liberation of jersey . and William Clacher whom died on the royal Oak in Scarpa flow . Unfortunately I can't find anything to date on the 3rd son Dick atm..
Welcome Paul, I assume this to be your great grandfather: Casualty List No. 250 Dated 9 July 1940 Expeditionary Forces /France / Missing Royal Artillery 1051020 CLACHER B.S.M. H Date of casualty 29.5.40 Casualty List No. 299 Dated 4 September 1940 Expeditionary Forces /France / Prisoner of War, previously reported as missing Royal Artillery 1051020 CLACHER B.S.M. H 225/57 A.Tk. Regt Date of casualty 29.5.40 Casualty List No. 1801 Dated 6 July 1945 Previously reported POW in German hands (Germany) now not POW Royal Artillery 1051020 CLACHER B.S.M. H 225/57 A.Tk. R Record set Prisoners Of War 1715-1945 Archive reference WO 392/11 Camp No: 383 [Hohen Fels] POW No: 15783 Name: Clacher H Rank: BSM Army No: 1051020 Regt: RA RO No: 5 Staffordshire Sentinel 3 Sept 1940 You may be able to identify medals here: Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility
Wow thank you Tony ... That information helps a lot , I have a similar paper clipping but from a different newspaper..the sentinel is local to me also.
Hi Welcome too, Is that a Long Service Good Conduct with a clasp before it, and is it a Distinguished Conduct Medal before that?? From the left is British War and Victory medals for WW1 and then France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and 1939-45 War medal. regards Robert
Thank you Robert .. this is all helping lots , I found s discharge letter from 1921 last night . I've narrowed him down to the 1st Staffordshire Artillery Volunteers And reading into them they were in a lot of the battles during ww1
To confirm the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct was presented to him by general Ironside There's a photo of this with an inscription by Harry.