The latest video offering from the excellent Great War Huts seems particularly relevant to the Salonika campaign – Hospital Blues: The British Hospital Uniforms of the First World War. Given the high sickness rates in the BSF, not to mention wounds and accidents, many men would have found themselves in hospital blues.
Continue reading “Great War Huts – Hospital Blues”Category: Faces of Salonika
A series of images of those – from all sides – who took part in, or witnessed, the First World War campaign in Macedonia from 1915 to 1918.
Faces of Salonika : Edward Gallon
My thanks go to Edward’s grandson, David , not just for contacting me about Edward’s story and sending some splendid photos to share here, but also for his great patience. I’m ashamed to say that he first got in touch in early 2018 and only now have I published this! I know there are others out there who have submitted material to me so, I hope that this will reassure you – I may be slow but I will get there in the end!
Continue reading “Faces of Salonika : Edward Gallon”Cecil Deadman: a motor transport driver in Salonika
My thanks go to Rosemary Newton, granddaughter of Cecil Deadman who served in Salonika with the Army Service Corps. 175347 Private Deadman was in 706 MT Company, ASC, which was part of the supply column attached to the Serbian army.
Rosemary has published a book of her family history (1880-1950), which includes an account of Private Deadman’s time in Salonika. She has kindly made this part of her book available to us, which you can see below. This fascinating article is copiously illustrated with original photos, postcards and documents. Amazingly, he was one of the three brothers serving with the BSF – and they had the opportunity to meet up!
Find out more
Something else for Black History Month …
Black soldiers in the BSF seem to be rather thin on the ground – in fact I only know of one: Charles Bailey of 9/King’s Own. I first gave Charlie a mention last year, but am happy to mention him again in case you missed the fascinating website in which he features: Charlie Bailey’s War – The story of WW1 soldier Charles Bailey a Welsh miner of West Indian origin plus some of the men he served with.
A contribution to Black History Month
With November fast approaching, I realise I’d better move fast if I want to mark Black History Month – although I would, of course, add something of interest at any time of the year!
World Refugee Day: Faces of Salonika
Today is World Refugee Day. Refugees and displaced persons have always been a feature of war and the Salonika campaign was no exception. There were refugees from earlier conflicts in the Balkans, the ongoing hostilities and the devastating fire which destroyed much of Salonika in 1917. Continue reading “World Refugee Day: Faces of Salonika”
‘Slouch Hat’ Harold, May 1916
This photo depicts a young signaller posing in a Salonika photographer’s studio in May 1916, showing off his new slouch hat.
International Nurses Day
Here are some pictures for International Nurses’ Day …
John Staple’s Souvenirs of the War in the East
My thanks again go to Simon and Christine Briggs for kindly sharing with us John Staple’s photographs from Salonika, Egypt and Turkey and for taking the trouble to photograph his interesting collection of ‘trench art’ souvenirs. These photos are reproduced below with notes from Simon. Continue reading “John Staple’s Souvenirs of the War in the East”
Faces of Salonika : John Staple and friends (2)
My thanks go to Simon and Christine Briggs for sharing with us these photos from the collection of John Staple of the Army Service Corps Remount Service.
Continue reading “Faces of Salonika : John Staple and friends (2)”
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 