V.W.G

Hi everyone,

This is my first post but I'm writing a masters thesis on 1940's wristwatches so I think I'll be spending quite a bit of time on here.

Now to my question. I recently received a 1942 wristwatch engraved with V.W.G and a seven digit number(1795257). After a bit of digging I found out that this seven digit number probably was a service number from someone within the Royal Artillery. I still haven't really figured out what the V.W.G stands for but I think it might stand for Validation Working Group.



Am I on the right track and if so what would the V.W.G be doing?

Thanks!

 

Hello the service number does suggest Royal Artillery

Would they not be initials of the individual

Also no hits on CWGC as a casualty

Regards
Clive

 

Is this the one from Black Bough with shops in London and Ludlow

 

Thank you, I did find on findmypast.co.uk that the service number could belong to a gentleman named John Robert Crawford. Although I can't confirm if this is correct or not.

http://search.findmypast.co.uk/results/united-kingdom-records-in-military-armed-forces-and-conflict?soldiernumber=1795257

Yes it is, been buying a few pieces from them.

 

Ok righto
Great shop though

Hopefully other forum members will confirm and can add more info
But it looks like you have the correct name

 

What make of watch is it? Does the watch have a serial number? If both then is it possible to check the makers archives?

TD

 

This is the Royal artillery attestation for a John Robert Crawford 1795257 from 1941. ZT 30/11/46, so survived the war.

 

Longines. It is TD


Link to it here
https://www.blackbough.co.uk/product/longines-ref-21709-steel-vintage-wristwatch-circa-1942-wwlscd/

Regards
Clive

 

Longines
Drop them a line


http://www.longines.com/#!/customer-service/services/certificate-of-authenticity

 

I was just typing something along those lines :P - you beat me to it - I'll go back to my

TD

 

Thank you very much. What does ZT stand for?

I have and I know the watch was invoice to Baume on 20 July 1942 which was Longines agent in the UK and Ireland at the time.
Thank you anyway though

 

cj perry

ZT = main reserve for most demobbed - and liable for call back e.g Korea….indicates he survived to be demobbed….

Cheers

 

Thank you very much!

Now I just need to find out what V.W.G stands for

 

Hi,

1795257 was also a wartime RAF service number.

I’m not convinced by your RA man, I can’t see a chap with the initials JRC engraving V.W.G. on his watch along with his service number, if it is his s/n. Neither can I see an organisation presenting something like this as a gift, it would say: “To John from V.W.G.” or something similar and if it was issued as part of his work for HM forces it would have the broad arrow on the back or some other distinguishing mark.
Rgds
Pete

 

Thank you snailer.

I agree the V.W.G doesn't really make much sense at the moment. I'll look into it and see if I can find something through the RAF.