5th South Staffordshires July 1918 onwards

[gingernut1]

Hi

No it wasn't signed.   Quite tatty, looks old though.  Ink is a purply colour - looks like it may have been a blue that's degenerated. 

[jim1]

I can only conclude that the letter writer was a friend he met at training camp.
He was sent overseas & your man wasn't for whatever reason.
It may be a case that your man felt some sort of entitlement to these
medals as he was in the Army although staying in the UK.
Had he gone overseas he would have been with his friend so
there would be no need for the letter.

[gingernut1]

Thank you Jim.   I guess we will never know the absolute truth but I think you are right.   My thoughts are that my grandfather talked of the 5th Staffs generally (and not very often) and I don't think his accounts would have been challenged or discussed.

Having said that this has been interesting and I really appreciate your input.

Ginger

[jim1]

I've had a good look at his record & he was conscripted in Jan. 1918 & put into the Reserves (Cavalry).
His fitness was A1 but at attestation it was listed again as A4 meaning he was under age but otherwise A1.
He was then re-called July & posted to the 5th. S. Staffs. where he stayed until March 1919 & then struck off the strength of the 5th. & posted back to the 3rd.
On 8/4/1919 he was posted to the Reserve Cavalry but posted again on the 17th. as unsuitable for Cavalry so back to the 3rd. S. Staffs.
On the 27/8/1918 he was attached to the RAMC & struck off the strength of the 3rd.
On the 17/10/1919 he was permanently transferred to the RAMC (19 Coy.) where he remained
until going onto the Z list.

[gingernut1]

Jim - You are a star !!
Ginger