HI all My grandad Sgt 1984313 Ernest John Yates joined the RE in 1938. I have his Army Book no 64 with the usual promotions, courses and occupations in (shunter, blockman, traffic op group A class 2 etc). I also have a 'souvenir-token' from the pepople of the Netherlands. See picture below. The transcription reads That All Men May Live In Peace Remembering the priceless blessing of our liberty which you Sgt. Ernest J Yates as a fighting soldier of the Allied Forces have brought to us, people of the Netherlands, delivering us from the cruel tyranny of a most heartless enemy, we thankfully tender to you this souvenir-token. Our everlasting sympathy is conveyed to you personally and to Florence and Edith who have shared your sacrifices Can anyone help regarding this certificate and help regarding his postings and what he might have done. I also have his six medals. Many thanks !
Never seen it before, presume it was locally made, presumably last place he stayed before returning to the UK
Nice touch I have never seen a document like that before, wonder if it was made by the people he was billeted with
Good spot Antoon. I think you are correct. The shield is above the Molen. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=72241&d=1327147318
A very nice personal certificate, which appears to have be made with a labour of love. Bottom right hand is the Dove of Peace. It says it all. A very nice piece of history. Regards Tom
Hi these certificates must have been more widespread, my Dad had a very similar one though with a few differences. Obviously it has his name, John K Mellor. It has the words 'people of Belgium', instead of 'people of the Netherlands'. Also, where yours has the names Florence and Edith, his has the words 'all those' handwritten in. Finally, after 'sacrifices' there is an additional line: 'From your friend(s)' and below that the name Pauwels Martha. The font is different too, being in lower-case except for REMEMBERING and proper nouns in capitals, and the images around it are different. Below a picture of a woman in white with a dove, on the bottom right is the word ACKET. I wonder if that was the artist. My Dad was with the Royal Pioneer Corps and I know he was based in France and Belgium, though he spoke very little about his experiences. I know he was very proud of this certificate. I regret that several subsequent generations have caused some damage to it. I realise I must try and get it scanned and posted here. Mike
Hi again here's a picture of my Dad's certificate - clearly has same origin as yours. It's a pity the locations are not mentioned. For ease of comparison I've also attached another copy of yours. Mike
Im stunned by all your replies and thank you. I wonder if they were something that men could purchase?
