The Canaries April 1917

[Paula42]

Hi
My cousin has found an old photo that we think may have someone we are related to in it. Our great grandfather, he was in the first world war in the 5th Gloucester Regiment. He was Thomas Henry Greening (birth unregistered) approx 1893 Tewkesbury.

This photo however says Canaries April 1917 on it. I cannot see him in the photo but on the back it says with love from Tom.

I am no good with military history and wondered if someone could tell me what regiment this is as we have no idea what we are looking for.

Thanking you in advance
Paula

[ColC]

There is a Thomas Henry Greening in Tewkesbury on the 1911 census with parents John & Elizabeth, if this was him in 1901 he was noted as Tom on the census, so this could be his registration below.

Tom Greening registered Q3/1895 Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire Vol 6a Page 441

No WW1 details for him on An…..y but if you google the regiment quite a lot of information on the web which might help.

Colin

[jim1]

Thomas H was in the 2/5 Gloucesters. During April 1917 they were in the thick of it involved in what was known as the retreat to the Hindenburg line. This was in the Saint-Quentin region of France. This is from the 2/5/Batt. war diary.
These men look like they are at least in Div. Reserve or not overseas at all as many are not wearing puttees.
Are you sure it says April as I can't quite make it out.

[MaxD]

The men in the photo don't seem to have any real distinguishing markings that would enable positive identification of the regiment.  "The canaries" is likely to have been an unofficial nickname for some grouping or another within whichever regiment it was.  Some have what looks like a drummers' badge.

They do all seem to be wearing similar armbands or brassards which again don't (to my aged eyes at least) allow identification.

He was in 2nd/5th Battalion (medal info on Ancestry) whose war diary for April 1917 gives no clues.


There is a history of that battalion which you can buy or may be able to get through a library:
https://www.naval-military-press.com/product/story-of-the-2-5th-battalion-the-gloucestershire-regiment-1914-1918/

At least this would be more readable that the war diary and would give you some idea of what Tom's experience was like. May even mention canaries?

MaxD

Just seen Jim's post.

[jim1]

I'm thinking (laterally) that The Canaries are Norwich City F.C. so maybe a Norfolk Batt. who have taken that name.

[Paula42]

Hi All

Thank you for your replies. Tom 1893 is not the same Tom (Thomas) as I ordered that certificate. Thank you anyway Colin.

When the A site did military searches I found a medal card for Thomas.

I am curious about this photo because I cannot see him in it, yet he signed the back with love from Tom (well we think it is his signature.)

It definitely says April.

I did a little search myself about the canaries and only come up with this

http://www.remembrancetrails-northernfrance.com/history/armies/mutinies.html

I was hoping that someone would recognise a regiment or something or even the arm band.

Thank you for your input, hopefully someone may recognise something further on in time.

Paula

[jim1]

Interesting article. So the closest match are instructors at Etaples who according to this & other sources wore yellow arm bands.

[MaxD]

I would say you have definitely identified the group correctly, well done.  As Jim says, the arm bands and nickname put it surely beyond doubt. 

My feeling is that they are not all from the same regiment.  Jim has remarked on the disparity of dress and there is at least one who appears to be wearing the cut away tunic of a Scottish regiment.  Jim will correct me if I am wrong but I think the base depots were staffed by a mix of men rather than all from the same regiment.

The mutinies broke out some months later than April, perhaps Tom acquired this on his way through Etaples?  Was he on the staff or passing through - I don't think we will ever know.

MaxD

[jim1]

My only concern is that instructors were all NCO's (as far as I'm aware) whereas some of these appear to be Pte's. I'm also aware that there was an isolation hospital at Etaples, may be the building behind is part of that.
It would seem odd to me for a soldier passing through to send a picture like this back unless he was in it.
I would also say you are correct in that these men were drawn from various Regts.