DiGesso is also the same man as the one in my photograph. Sadly no initial as I have three likely candidates but most likely James Frederick, born 1908 or Antonio James born 1909.
According to the caption Punyer is to the right of Burton. Fred Burton survived the war and I met him in the late 1990's. The photos come from the Britannia, the regimental journal of the Norfolk's. I think the regtl museum has an index for all the journals, though quite how or if you can get access now that the museum has closed. There is still a collection (albeit much reduced) in Norwich Castle Museum. The curator used to be Kate Thaxton, a very helpful lady but I don't know how accessible any research is now. Lionboxer
Just to add a bit more confusion Pakistan not had time to read this in detail http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/sport/sport008.shtml But several mentions of the Norfolks India, Pakistan and home in the thirties. 1931 In India a boxing tournament was held at Kasauli during the period 22nd -26th June 1931 open to all Units stationed in the Simla Hills of India - 150 competitors were drawn from 16 Units. 1st Battalion East Surrey entries numbered 22 including 3 boys. On the opening day the novices team defeated that of the Lancashire Fusiliers while the open team defeated that of The Norfolk Regiment, both teams then going into the finals. 1933 At the Lahore District Athletic Meeting, the 1st Battalion beat the 2nd Bn the Sherwood Foresters for first place by 65 points to 64. Discus throwers surpassed themselves, L/Cpl Callaghan getting first place with a throw of 99ft lOins and being well supported by Lt D J McLeahy, their combined throws being 187ft 7V2ins. The latter also gave a good performance in the Pole Vault where he gained 3rd place. Still in form the Battalion won the Lahore District Cross Country Run on 27th February with 102 points, the runners-up being the 2nd Bn The Norfolk Regiment with 212 points. 1936 The 1936 boxing season brought further successes to the 1st Battalion boxing team who won the Lucknow District Inter-Unit Team Championship in February and proceeded to the quarter and semi-finals of the All India Championships at Calcutta before being beaten in the finals by The Royal Norfolk Regiment.
RCG, thank you for the information. The locations that I have for the 1/Norfolks in India is as follows: 1928 Sialkot 1933 Jhansi 1936 North West Frontier 1937 Delhi In addition there is a photograph album on Flickr showing the 1/Norfolks on the North West Frontier and at Dacca. Pakistan of course didn't come into existence until 1947.
Wow, what an incredible coincidence. My photograph was purchased from the Kempton antiques fair in London last Tuesday and now this turns up.
It sounds as though someone is having a clearout. Are you having a punt for the kit bag? Found another reference to Di Gesso (who it seems was an accomplished boxer) in the spring 37 edition saying that he had finished his time and gone home. He was wished good luck in civil life. Maybe he changed his mind when he returned to Blighty and signed on again with the 2nd bn. My father did this in early 1939 when he realised that war was coming and he would have been called up anyway. He went on to complete 21 years with the Norfolk's. Lionboxer
Just had a closer look at the kit bag and it's pre-1935 as its Norfolk as opposed to Royal Norfolk Regiment. Lionboxer
Lionboxer, thank you for the update regarding Di Gesso. The reference would seem to date my photograph to 1936 at the latest and with Yaxley getting married in Devonport in 1932, we have a five year window which would suggest that photograph was taken at Sialkot or Jhansi. Does the article give any initials or a first name for Di Gesso? I am unlikely to bid on the Howlett kitbag, although I am sorely tempted, as I am trying to limit the growth of my collection to photographs as they are easier to store. Simon.
A great piece of work.My father's brother Arthur Roy Chandler was killed 25th May while serving with 2nd Batt. He is listed as one of the missing.Is there any list available that would indicate which company he was serving with.
Don't think that there are any lists available. I note that CWGC lists Arthurs death as between 10th and 19th May 1940 and the 2nd Bn RN moved about a bit during that time so might be hard to find who was where, and the actual place he was killed.
Don't know if I am right about this but this photo would have been taken on the company's first tour of duty in India. As no one appears to have the 1908 Indian General service Medal ribbon. But that raises other questions. We know that the photo was pre 1935. but not exactly when, or when their tour of duty ends? Which medal did they receive the 1908 Indian General service Medal (Edward V11 to 1910 George V 1910 - 1936). or the 1936-39 Indian General service Medal.(George V1)? Not sure if this helps in determining the date of the photo or not. Interesting information on the Norfolk Regiment here. http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_regiment/norfolk_regiment.htm
Hi Here are the Yaxley brothers. This is taken from a roll of honour printed in 'The War Illustrated' no.224 October 26th 1946. Hope this helps. Matt
