Today is my grandfather’s birthday. Were he still alive, Fred would be 133 years old! Back in 1982 I was working abroad, but took the opportunity of a short trip home to spend some time with Fred and we talked about his army service and I made notes. I am so glad I did as he died a few months later. Whilst there is so much more that I could have found out, I am pleased that I do have some first-hand accounts and it’s one of these I want to share with you today.
Continue reading “A narrow squeak …”Tag: Cyclists
Cyclists in the Salonika Campaign, 1915-1918. It’s a minority interest, but close to the Web Editor’s heart!
Remembering CQMS Michael Margiotta of 12 Corps Cyclist Battalion
One hundred years ago today, Serjeant Michael Margiotta died of dysentery and pneumonia in Salonika. He is buried in the CWGC Lembet Road Military Cemetery.
Continue reading “Remembering CQMS Michael Margiotta of 12 Corps Cyclist Battalion”
Remembering 5769 Private Joseph Devine, ACC
In April 2017 a post about the Army Cyclist Corps in Macedonia prompted a response from Kevin MacDermot who was researching his great uncle, 5769 Private Joseph Devine of 16th Corps Cyclist Battalion, Army Cyclists Corps (formerly 10623, Royal Irish Fusiliers).
Continue reading “Remembering 5769 Private Joseph Devine, ACC”
Christmas Greetings from Corps Cavalry and Cyclists
Amongst my modest collection of Salonika-campaign-related ephemera, my favourite item is this 1917 Christmas card produced by or for the Corps Cavalry and Cyclists of the BSF. Sadly not a family heirloom – my grandfather, a cyclist, was on his way home with malaria by Christmas 1917 – but a lucky purchase from eBay.
Continue reading “Christmas Greetings from Corps Cavalry and Cyclists”
Remembering Lt John Jones Savin
Lt John Jones Savin was mentioned in an earlier post on the formation of 16 Corps Cyclist Battalion (09/12/2016). It was a name I was familiar with, having read the war diary of 28th Divisional Cyclist Company many times. Continue reading “Remembering Lt John Jones Savin”
Faces of Salonika : Refugees
Refugees fleeing conflict are rarely out of the news today, but this is not a new phenomenon. With the Balkans facing its third war since 1912 it is hardly surprising that there were communities of refugees across the region, although they are rarely mentioned. Continue reading “Faces of Salonika : Refugees”
Christmas 1916 in the Struma Valley
This is not an exhaustive study of how the troops of XVI Corps celebrated the Christmas of 1916 but, rather, a brief seasonal offering taken from two War Diaries that I have to hand. Happy Christmas! Continue reading “Christmas 1916 in the Struma Valley”
One hundred years ago: the formation of 16th Corps Cyclist Battalion
One hundred years ago this week, three divisional cyclist companies in the Struma Valley were merged to form the 16th Corps Cyclist Battalion (Army Cyclist Corps). Continue reading “One hundred years ago: the formation of 16th Corps Cyclist Battalion”
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 