William Joy RFA

[Barbara F]

My grandfather William Joy was in the RFA, Reg No 38455. His records have not survived. which is particularly unfortunate, as he served for over 14 years.

I am trying to fill in some of the gap using the papers that I do have  (his Discharge and Conduct Certificates) and some photos.  My father has my grandfather’s medals.

Discharge Certificate
Enlisted at Southend on Sea 6 September 1905
Discharged after 14 years 122 days with the Colours and 85 days in the Army Reserve

Character Certificate
Rank BQMS
Date of discharge 3 March 1920

The writing on both these certificates is now very faint.

When he married in July 1913 he was a Bombardier at Woolwich No 1 Depot.

From the Medal Rolls I have found that when he disembarked for France on 9 September 1915 he had the rank of Sergeant.

This is one of the photos of my grandfather and I wondered what you can tell me about it.  I can rescan specific parts if that would help.  (By the way I did not put the marks on the photo!)

Any help much appreciated.

Barbara 

[atom12]

Hi Barbara 

Great photo of what appears to be all the Senior ranks in the Battery, lined up for a photo.

The man to the left of your soldier (looking on) is the BSM, Battery Sergeant Major, with the man at the far right (looking on) being the BQMS.

You can see your grandfather's Sergeant's stripes on the photo, as well as the other soldiers.   Interestingly, it seems the  three most senior in rank have whistles hanging from their pocket.

[Barbara F]

Hello Atom and thank you for replying to my post 

So this photo was taken before my grandfather became a BQMS. 

I am going to take a closer look at those whistles and the various stripes.  What is the white object over the left shoulder of some of the men - is it a lanyard and if so,  do you know what it signifies?

Barbara

[atom12]

Hi Barbara 

Yes, some of the men are wearing 'white' lanyards, and possibly some others are wearing 'khaki' coloured lanyards -  certainly the man third in from the left as we look on, has a khaki lanyard.

Generally speaking, mounted troops at that time wore a lanyard to carry a clasp knife which would always be accessible, and they'd be less likely to lose it.

[Barbara F]

Thanks once again Atom. 

I remember wearing a lanyard when I was a Girl Guide!

I think I will put this photo on the restoration board to get it cleaned up and then look out some other photos to see what they may tell me about my grandfather's service.

Barbara

[atom12]

Good idea Barbara, I look forward to seeing the soldiers "all spruced up". Perhaps you can give us a link to the restoration photo. 

[Barbara F]

Will do 

Barbara

Edit
This is the link
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,282777.0.html

[atom12]

Have had a look-see at the restoration photos Barbara and think they have done a wonderful  tidy-up job. 

Anne

[Barbara F]

Hello Anne

They are really brilliant   

Barbara