Postcard my Grandad got when he was posted to The Rhine Watch 1919 Postacard my Dad got when he went on a cruise down the Rhine 1995
The plot is thickening ! Someone posted this newspaper clipping on the WW1 forum. It appears my Grandad isn't in this picture but it maybe because he didn't join them at this time or was on a course etc. They have a different name too and its possible the name was changed after they lost the costumes or they were formed as a spin off. The intriguing part being my Dad said my Grandad always reffered to them as the Black Cats. The postcards also show he was (I think) in the same area of France -Abbeville. I've arrange to speak to a Captain at the RAVC Museum this afternoon so I will let you know how that goes.
I had another rumage around this week end at my parents and these two pictures were found of my grandad. Any thoughts would be most appreciated. 1. Not sure if this was taken when he was in the AVC or whether it adds weight to the family rumour he was in a cavalry unit before they had tanks. I suspect its AVC. 2. I think this is a uniform issued when in Hospital. I think he caught some form of an infection from the horses he worked with. Apparently during WW1 they used to sleep in the stables with the horses. (My Grandad is on the left as you look at the picture) Cheers for any additional info Andy
As you say Andy, the uniform is like the one in the picture in the Lewisham book. Nice thread this and a great collection of various things. Rob
Cheers Rob, Just seen your post. Someone on the GWF confirmed the uniform/suit was issued to men convalescing in hospitals during WW1. I'd love to know more about the one on the horse though. Regards Andy
Just to add a bit of sideways (ish) progress on my grandfathers service. I got this email today from Pete Starling at Keogh Barracks Dear Sir I am afraid I have had no luck identifying your Grandfather's unit. We have a copy of Corps Orders here from 1904 - early 1916 and in it, it lists those who joined the AVC both as direct enlistments and transfers in from other units but I can not find Pte Newson. He must have joined later in 1916. Our archives do not contain any programmes for an entertainment troop called the Black Cate but in many cases I believe their name came from the Division they were in so I wonder if this has anything to do with the 56th London Division. You are correct in that one photograph shows him dressed in Hospital Blues so perhaps this is the time he was ill from the horses. Yours Sincerely, PH Starling Which appears to be a bit of a dead (ish) end. Anyone got anymore ideas/pointers? Cheers all, Andy
Does anyone know what the Army Veterinary Corps unit was in the 56th Division? I don't suppose there is any AVC WW1 books out there ? Cheers
Other Divisional Troops 56th Divisional Train ASC Originally 170, 171, 172 and 173 Coys but they were detached in November 1915 and moved to Salonika with 28th Division. Replaced by 213, 214, 215 and 216 Coys ASC from 30th Division 1st London Mobile Veterinary Section AVC joined 14 March 1916 56th Divisional Ambulance Workshop joined 28 February 1916, absorbed into Divisional Supply Column 31 March 1916 247th Divisional Employment Company joined 23 June 1917 The 56th Division (1st London Territorial Division) - Dudley Ward, C.H. Major – (John Murray 1921) Source : The 56th (1st London) Division of the British Army in 1914-1918
Cheers for that Phil, 1st London Mobile Veterinary Section AVC. Anyone know any info on the above or books on the AVC during WW1? Andy