my Grand Father served on both of the wars and was shot I believe 3 times so I'm told. I was also told a story that he was shot in the chest and he was saved because the bullet lodged in his breast pocket stopped by a match book cover. The matches ignited obviously and the match book cover was fragmented. What I would like to know is this. As so many soldiers of the day smoked was this a common occurrence? Does the story have any basis in fact? Is this a one off once in a life time escape from death? I hope some of you can shed some light on this perplexing anecdote. Looking forwards to your replies.
Cigarette case 'saved' soldier priest Soldier's life saved by SMOKING in World War 1 World War I picture shows soldier with the cigarette case which saved his life Cigarette case which saved man's life in First World War discovered at school | Oxford Mail TD
Thanks Tricky. So story is plausible then. I just need to see if its recorded anywhere. I would like to know which war and where it happened. Thanks again.
do you have his service records? do you have photos? this will give you more info on his service Get a copy of military service records - GOV.UK
Aubrey Those were just a few I found on the first google page that came up searching for "soldiers saved by cigarette cases". I am sure if you searched using other parameters then you could, as they say, "fill yer boots". As CL1 says, obtain his records then you will know the (hopefully) exact date this happened which may help you narrow down your search TD They will come from all sorts of directions - Soldier’s life saved at the Somme by his Bible Battle of the Somme: Soldier's life saved by spoon and Bible kept in his jacket pocket Soldier's life saved by family photos in breast pocket
His injuries should be recorded in his service records. My partners grandfathers are, we now know his limp was due to a German mortar round.
Thanks for all of your help guys. I will let you know how I get on. BTW Have you heard about this great project? The Long Way Home