WW1 RGA Gunner photo ID

[andy_barnsley]

Hi

This is a photograph of Percy Horsfield (Silkstone, near Barnsley). He joined the 355 Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1917.

I would be extremely grateful if anyone could please confirm that this uniform matches with the above information. Also if anyone has any info the Battery I would be most interested.

Many Thanks

Andy

[mmm45]

Yes he is RGA you can make out the title on his shoulder.He is possibly a signaller and has a wound stripe on his lower sleeve.

Ady

[andy_barnsley]

Thanks very much for the info - never heard of a wound stripe before (what does this actually mean ?)

Also is there any significance of the crossed flags on the sleeve

[mmm45]

The wound stripe was issued to soldiers who had been injured due to enemy action and hospitalised...It was a single gold stripe worn on the lower sleeve...more than 1 could be issued.On that other photo you posted Antwerp there are a few visble.
The crossed flags im pretty sure denotes the Signal Branch

Ady

[gortonboy]

i can find a medal card that shows he was awarded the victory medal only

Name: Percy Horsfield
Regiment or Corps: Royal Garrison Artillery, Army Ordnance Corps
Regimental Number: 176695, 050877

[andy_barnsley]

i can find a medal card that shows he was awarded the victory medal only

Name: Percy Horsfield
Regiment or Corps: Royal Garrison Artillery, Army Ordnance Corps
Regimental Number: 176695, 050877

Hi

Thanks very much for the info - does the fact that he was only awarded the victory medal mean he wouldn't or shouldn't have a wound stripe - ie would a wound stripe have also been recorded.

Sorry but this is all new to me

Thanks
Andy

[forester]

There is a fading ditto mark below showing that he was awarded the British War Medal as well.

If this is the right man, then he transferred to the Ordnance Corps (assuming the entries are the right way round).

At 1st July 1917, 355 Siege Battery, comprising 4 x 6 inch howitzers, was attached to Third Army. I can't find a stand-alone war diary for them so far, though.

Phil

[andy_barnsley]

There is a fading ditto mark below showing that he was awarded the British War Medal as well.

If this is the right man, then he transferred to the Ordnance Corps (assuming the entries are the right way round).

At 1st July 1917, 355 Siege Battery, comprising 4 x 6 inch howitzers, was attached to Third Army. I can't find a stand-alone war diary for them so far, though.

Phil

Thanks Phil - but you will have to excuse my ignorance on this - is the ditto mark you refer to on the medal card referred to by Gortonboy

I know for definite he was in 355 Siege Battery between 23/5/1917 and 23/10/1918 as I have his copy of the Siege Battery Record published in 1920.

Is it possible he was transferred to RAOC after being evacuated due to gas in Oct 1918 as he is still abroad in Antwerp in 1919 (see my other photo)

Thanks
Andy

[mmm45]

Andy...yes the Ditto is on his Medal Index Card

Ady