WW1 horse spurs

[markymoomoo50]

Hello,

Hope you're well - I wonder if someone could help me. I've been fortunate to be given a set of Spurs that apparently belonged to my great-Grandfather - this would be on my paternal side. The great-Grandfathers are Henry Vernon Hatton (1888 - c1959) and Walter John Merryweather (1879 - 1937)

I have been researching my family tree for several years, and because of the information I have regarding Henry, I am inclined to think the Spurs belonged to Walter. There are quite a few Walter Merryweather's when searching for WW1 connections, so I was wondering whether the Spurs were generic and issued to different regiments, or were they specific to a certain regiment - like a cavalry?

Any help given would be much appreciated.

Mark

[mazi]

Hi mark,
A warm welcome to rootschat

I think as well as cavalry the artillery regiments would also have a use for horses drawing the guns,
there is a set of spurs for sale on eBay described as standard issue to other ranks, they are said to be stamped with a date 1914.

Are there any markings on your set?.
I would have thought that officers would have provided their own boots and spurs, also for officers there may be a different set for “dress uniform” than for everyday use.

It is likely that real experts may come online later to correct me

Regars Mike

[markymoomoo50]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your reply - and for the welcome. I can't see any obvious markings, though the left spur does seem to have the number 2 on the inside of it.

I know for a fact that Henry (my other paternal great-Grandfather) served in the Army Service Corps - this is on my Nan's birth certificate. Although he is recorded on my Nan's certificate as being her Father, Nan was born outside of marriage, and don't think there was much contact from Henry. I could, however, be reading this wrong: one of the things that make me think this is Henry was already married to a lady in Wales at the time he met my Nan's Mother.

Thanks,

Mark.

[Redroger]

My uncle who was a regular Sergeant in the RHA carried scars on his legs for life, caused by falling asleep after a surfeit of French wine whilst wearing his spurs. He refused to go into further details.

[philipsearching]

I know for a fact that Henry (my other paternal great-Grandfather) served in the Army Service Corps - this is on my Nan's birth certificate.

The ASC did have horse-drawn transport.  There is a photo on
https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-army-service-corps-in-the-first-world-war/the-territorial-army-service-corps-mounted-brigade-transport-and-supply-columns/

Philip

[jim1]

As Philip said the ASC also used horses as did the Royal Engineers, RAMC & Mounted Police.
Strangely Cavalry were less likely as they became dismounted Troops during the course of the war.

[markymoomoo50]

Hello,

Thanks to Roger, Phillip and Jim for your replies. I'm beginning to think they could have belonged to Henry after all - it seems to make sense.

I just wish I knew my Dad had them - I only found out after he died. If I had, it would have been so much easier to find out 

Mark.

[medpat]

Surely the Veterinary Corps would be issued spurs as well in WW1.

[Redroger]

Surely the Veterinary Corps would be issued spurs as well in WW1.

I would imagine so, but would they treat any wounds caused by them? Bit of an oxymoronic situation really!