cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8ltv.1
title: Joss Family Gathering

description: In the group, at the back is William Joss (in, I think, Gordon Highlanders) visiting Oxford to congratulate his eldest son, also William, on the right, who had just qualified as a doctor, who then went on to join the RAMC and was awarded the MC in North Africa.  On retirement, he became a GP in Nottingham for the rest of his life.  The son on the left is Bert, my father, - note second photograph - who was born in 1901 and joined the Scottish Horse in 1916.  He was too young and his father got him a discharge, but soon after, Bert joined the Royal Engineers as shown in this uniform in the first photograph. He served in Ypres, where he was buried alive in a trench shelter for four days before being dug out and recovered.  Back in the UK he was convalescent, then sent to Middle East where he proudly claimed that he marched into Jerusalem under General Allenby.  Back home he went into the postal service.  He never claimed his medals.  I do so wish he had so that I might treasure them. If of any consequence, I served in the RAF as a Rear Gunner on Lancasters and my son served in both the Army and the Air Force in various parts of the world.  I hope all this is clear, and best wishes for the project.

Editor's Comment:
Group photograph: Herbert Joss to left iin the uniform of the ROyal Engineers; William Joss to centre in Uniform of the Gordon Highlanders (including Kilt and Sporran); William Joss to left in greatcoat. Also photograph of Herbert Joss in uniform of the Scottish horse, mounted. 

William Joss, Gordon Highlanders.

Sapper 148347 Herbert Joss, Royal Engineers (previsously Scottish Horse, service no. 2391)

Second Lieutenant William Taylor Barron Joss, M.C., Northumberland Fusiliers, Special Reserve (Previously Sergeant, Royal Army Medical Corps, service no. 1426, and Sergeant, Army Service Corps, service no. T4/213207: Transport). His MC citation reads as follows:
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when sole remaining officer in the front line company. With a small detachment he fought until surrounded, then cut his way out to the reserve line, where he continued to inspire all ranks by his fighting spirit.
(M.C. gazetted 18th October, 1917.).
From 'Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July, 1918', 8760.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8nci.2
title: Special pass issued to Mrs Cawkwell and daughter

description: Typewritten special pass, numbered 1338, and bearing the stamp of the Humber Garrison, Hull. The pass was to admit Mrs Cawkwell and daughter to the docks and NER riverside quay during the arrival of repatriated prisoners of war. Part of a collection relating to John Cawkwell.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8nhe.1
title: Photograph of British POW's in workshop

description: Photo of British POW's in a camp workshop. Rear of card gives location of photographer as Gustrow and there was a POW camp there during WW1. Note the German officer with Sword.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian93f.1
title: Medals and Memorial Plaque of Pte. Mitchell

description: British War Medal, Victory Medal and Death Plaque.

Editor's Comment:
Pte. 27902 Edward Barber Mitchell, 11th ('Hull Tradesmen's') Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action 29th September 1918, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. His unit, part of the 31st Division, was taking part in the Battle of Ypres during the final advance in Flanders.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiancfl.1
title: Artifacts relating to William Robert Jones

description: Artifacts relating to Private Wiliam Robert Jones (no.22645) including letters, identification, music union card and a postcard from Italy.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandfl6.2
title: Photograph of John Cawkwell, Thomas Cawkwell, and another man (2)

description: Photograph of three men, inscribed on the back "John (Jack) Cawkwell 1894-1939 Thomas Cawkwell 1897-1964 unknown". Part of a collection relating to John Cawkwell.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandvuf.2
title: Love letter to my grandmother (3)

description: A love letter sent to my grandmother Poppy from her Italian Boyfriend during the First World War. The letter reads:

My little dear Poppy,

I just recieved the order to equip myself for the fighting line, so this is my last letter from here. Of course when you get this letter I'm already far away. Fully of confidence I shall leave my dear Country for the Dardenalls as I shall find there your dear Tommies and I hope to have a lot of friends in them. I'm proud and satisfied to fight hand to hand with the heroic sons of my Old England and I shall like the English life orthough very far from London.

Don't be sad for me little dear, this war will soon be over as a dreadful hour. Do write to me as usual with the same address for the moment so I can get your letters sooner. Next Sunday 5th I shall leave this town and the only regret that I leave behind such a lot of dear friends and I am going further from my dear Poppy.

I think that the only thought I am going to fight with your English brothers will be enough to get your[unclear].

Don't cry for me dear and keep me constantly aware of your and feel that I am writing si badly, excuse Poppy, I'm not quick and it is with fear but sooner for everything I shall leave behind the day of reckoning will come at last, and those who have the responsibility of the war will pay all the [unclear] my dear.

So I leave dear. Dear remember always your old boy. I kiss you sadly, friendly. Kiss my soul on my lips.

Your Anthony.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandybx.1
title: Memoir: 'The Lost Years', by Frederick Boland, Royal Artillery

description: A memoir of my grandfather's (Frederick William Boland c1872 - 1929) service in the Royal Artillary which was originally published in the 'Clonmel Chronicle' (Ireland).

Editor's Comment:
Corporal L/44761 Frederick William Boland, 189th Bde. Royal Field Artillery, later clerk, Artillery Depot, Rouen, and Artillery Headquaters, Second Army, transferred during the war into the Royal Garrison Artillery, with the service no. 185591.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianj5l8.2
title: Official letter accompanying British War Medal

description: Official letter (Army Form W. 5112) sent with the British War Medal issued to Gnr J Cawkwell (Service Number 20595) of the Royal Field Artillery. The letter was issued by the Record Office, and bears a partial stamp which appears to say Woolwich, and gives a date in December 1920. Part of a collection relating to John Cawkwell.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianow7.2
title: Love letter to my grandmother (1)

description: A love letter sent to my grandmother Poppy from her Italian Boyfriend during the First World War. The letter reads:

My little dear Poppy,

I just recieved the order to equip myself for the fighting line, so this is my last letter from here. Of course when you get this letter I'm already far away. Fully of confidence I shall leave my dear Country for the Dardenalls as I shall find there your dear Tommies and I hope to have a lot of friends in them. I'm proud and satisfied to fight hand to hand with the heroic sons of my Old England and I shall like the English life orthough very far from London.

Don't be sad for me little dear, this war will soon be over as a dreadful hour. Do write to me as usual with the same address for the moment so I can get your letters sooner. Next Sunday 5th I shall leave this town and the only regret that I leave behind such a lot of dear friends and I am going further from my dear Poppy.

I think that the only thought I am going to fight with your English brothers will be enough to get your[unclear].

Don't cry for me dear and keep me constantly aware of your and feel that I am writing si badly, excuse Poppy, I'm not quick and it is with fear but sooner for everything I shall leave behind the day of reckoning will come at last, and those who have the responsibility of the war will pay all the [unclear] my dear.

So I leave dear. Dear remember always your old boy. I kiss you sadly, friendly. Kiss my soul on my lips.

Your Anthony.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2akr.1
title: Photographs of Frank Smith

description: Individual photograph of 2nd Lt. F. Smith

Group of KOYLI NCO's, Corporal Frank Smith seated second from right.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2tov.2
title: Embroidered postcard to "brother and sister" (2)

description: Postcard sent from "Tom" to his brother and sister from the Western Front.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6bu7.1
title: Photographs of James Bircham and family
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6f7o.2
title: Photograph of Sergeant Arthur Blades

description: Photograph of Sergeant Arthur Blades of the East Yorkshire Regiment. 

Arthur Blades (born 18th October 1894 in Hull, died 1st November 1983, also in Hull) served and was badly wounded in the First World War. His youngest sister Alice reported that he was in a hospital or convalescent home near Sheffield for about nine months. She remembered: "Mother used to make the journey from Hull once a month to see him. When she came home, exhausted, she would sit down, still in her hat and coat, and weep."

His niece Julia Allum, who deposited the collection relating to him and John W. Blades, writes: 

"Arthur became a public health inspector and married Ethel Mason in 1932. He was an active member of St Augustine's Church in Queens Road from its opening, when he was a boy in the choir, until it closed, being declared unsafe. He then became a member of St Cuthbert's Church.

He was a member of the masons and a staunch Labour supporter from the party's early years.

I remember him as a kind and interested uncle, with a very dry sense of humour. He was one of nature's gentlemen, for the most part self-educated and a man of integrity."

Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6vrc.1
title: Three photographs of  German prisoners of war

description: 3 photos showing Captured German soldiers working with or guarded by British soldiers and a steam roller apparently carrying out road repairs. The British soldiers are identified as '333 Engineers', a home service unit.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8k7l.2
title: Embroidered Postcard "Ma pensee te suit"

description: Postcard embroidered with the French Flag and the words "Ma pensee te suit" (i'm thinking of you).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8qu3.1
title: Granting of a (Temporary) Commission
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8z1x.2
title: Official letter accompanying 1914-15 Star

description: Official letter sent with the 1914-15 Star medal awarded posthumously to Gunner John W. Blades (Service Number 1813) of the Royal Field Artillery. The letter bears the stamp of the RH and RFA Records Office, Woolwich, dated 11th June 1921. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand7pg.1
title: Photographs of Frank Smith

description: Individual and group shots including Frank Smith
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandjeu.1
title: Photograph including Frank Smith

description: Group of three soldiers.  Frank Smith is on the right.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandjp2.2
title: 1914-15 Star awarded to John W. Blades (1)

description: 1914-15 Star awarded posthumously to Gunner John W. Blades (Service Number 1813) of the Royal Field Artillery. The back of the medal is inscribed "1813 Gnr J. W. Blades R.F.A." Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianj3u1.2
title: Love letter to my grandmother (4)

description: A love letter sent to my grandmother Poppy from her Italian Boyfriend during the First World War. The letter reads:

My little dear Poppy,

I just recieved the order to equip myself for the fighting line, so this is my last letter from here. Of course when you get this letter I'm already far away. Fully of confidence I shall leave my dear Country for the Dardenalls as I shall find there your dear Tommies and I hope to have a lot of friends in them. I'm proud and satisfied to fight hand to hand with the heroic sons of my Old England and I shall like the English life orthough very far from London.

Don't be sad for me little dear, this war will soon be over as a dreadful hour. Do write to me as usual with the same address for the moment so I can get your letters sooner. Next Sunday 5th I shall leave this town and the only regret that I leave behind such a lot of dear friends and I am going further from my dear Poppy.

I think that the only thought I am going to fight with your English brothers will be enough to get your[unclear].

Don't cry for me dear and keep me constantly aware of your and feel that I am writing si badly, excuse Poppy, I'm not quick and it is with fear but sooner for everything I shall leave behind the day of reckoning will come at last, and those who have the responsibility of the war will pay all the [unclear] my dear.

So I leave dear. Dear remember always your old boy. I kiss you sadly, friendly. Kiss my soul on my lips.

Your Anthony.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjcpq.1
title: Frank Smith's log book

description: Records flying hours during training.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjobm.1
title: Story of a Trench Raid', carried out by the 16th Welch - Boesinghe

description: The story of one 'trench raid', with facsimiles of original orders, messages and prisoner interrogation reports, from initial request by Brigade to the report in the "Western Mail".

The raid was carried out by the 16th (Cardiff City) Battalion, The Welsh Regiment, at Boesinghe (Ypres Salient), on the night of the 5th/6th June 1917.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjrea.1
title: Book concerning airmen of WW1

description: The book concerns the exploits of airmen of WW1 and includes Frank Smith on these pages.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjrpe.2
title: 1914-15 Star awarded to John W. Blades (2)

description: 1914-15 Star awarded posthumously to Gunner John W. Blades (Service Number 1813) of the Royal Field Artillery. The back of the medal is inscribed "1813 Gnr J. W. Blades R.F.A." Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianokk.1
title: Letter concerning Frank Smith

description: Letter informing the next of kin that Lt Smith was missing in action.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianpow.2
title: Embroidered postcard to "brother and sister" (1)

description: Postcard sent from "Tom" to his brother and sister from the Western Front.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian1b.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (5)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian281i.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (6)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2diz.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (3)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2ev8.1
title: Medals of James David Lockyer

description: British War Medal
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2sqy.1
title: Humourous hand drawn postcards belonging to Q. E. McCulloch

description: Series depicting British soldiers in India 1913 to 1918
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6fjp.1
title: German propoganda postcards
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8kjn.1
title: Panoramic photographs of Yser

description: Destruction on the battlefield
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand5c.1
title: Photograph of J D Lockyer

description: Sunk four times by torpedo during WW1
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand9jh.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (1)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand9p6.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (7)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandu5i.1
title: Last known letter from William Barber to his sister
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiangq5.1
title: Patriotic and Religious Postcards
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianj4jj.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (2)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianj4p8.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (8)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjx59.1
title: Letter concerning JD Lockyer

description: Attestment of character.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianpwc.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (9)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianr2i4.2
title: The Search for John Dick: A Leith Soldier of the First World War (4)

description: A useful guide detailing how Andrew Grant and his wife traced the background of John Dick (the grandfather of his wife).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianr87w.1
title: Christmas Card 1914

description: Printed details of sender James Lockyer
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian225n.1
title: Letter from Captain Charles S. Smith describing a torpedo attack

description: Editor's Comment:
Letter recounting a U-Boat attack on a ship heading for Arkhangel.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2768.1
title: Letter home by Edwin Thomas

description: Originally handwritten, this letter was typed up for inclusion in the local paper (the editor's blue-pencilling can be seen on the last page) The first page is unfortunately missing. 

Editor's Comment:
First hand account of the Battle of Loos, 25th - 28th September 1915. Among many items of interest, Pte. Thomas recounts being shelled with gas, only to find the eyepiece of his new gas helmet broken. From mention of his taking part in an attack of 'D Coy of the 23rd.', and later, the '47th Division', it seems that he served in the 1/23rd (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2lig.2
title: Postcard bearing poem, sent by Arthur Blades (1)

description: A postcard sent by Arthur Blades, to his parents in Hull, from Hurdcott Camp, Salisbury Plains. Blades served as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Instead of an image, the card bears a printed poem about Hurdcott Camp. Blades's message to his parents, thanking them for a parcel, is written around the edges of the poem. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2mp3.1
title: Article by Private Richard Parkinson in Preston Herald

description: My grandfather was torpoed on board a troop ship bound for Salonika and on his return to Preston that year wrote an article for the local paper before returning to duties which took him to Daar-es-Salaam.

Editor's Comment:
Pte. M/284677 Richard B. Parkinson, Army Service Corps. The only troopship to have been sunk by U-Boat on the 24th June 1917 in the Mediterranean was the Cestrian, ex-Leyland Line (off Skyros) travelling from Alexandrian to Salonika, but she was sunk by UB 42, not U 153 as identified by the author.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2twn.2
title: Group photograph including Arthur Blades (1)

description: Group photograph of young boys and one man (possibly a school photograph). The fourth from the left on the back row is Arthur Blades, who went on to serve as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian5it.2
title: Photograph of Arthur Blades and Julia Allum

description: Photograph of Arthur Blades, who served as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment during the First World War, shown with his niece Julia Allum, who deposited the collection of material relating to John W. and Arthur Blades.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian65q9.1
title: Photographs of David William Reed

description: David William Reed, the brother of Albert George Reed and Caroline Austin (nee Reed), and brother-in-law of Thomas Richard Austin. Family postcards sent in 1915 and 1916. He returned from France badly wounded, nearly lost his right arm and was in hospital for many months, but was luckier than his brother and brother-in-law who both were killed in action.

Editor's Comment:
Two single shots (one dated 8th April 1916) and one group photograph of men in jackets or shirt-sleeves, with the caption: 'Rhyl, 1915'.

Private David William Reed, Welsh Regiment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6ouy.2
title: Photograph of Arthur Blades as a choirboy

description: Photograph of Arthur Blades when he was a choirboy at St Augustine's Church, Queens Road, Hull. Blades went on to serve as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8fqi.1
title: Photographs of Private Albert George Reed M.M.

description: Brother of Caroline Austin, brother-in-law of Thomas Richard Austin. He served with the Leicestershire Regiment, and was awarded Military Medal. Killed July 5th 1917, he is buried at Metz-en Couture Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais. 

My grandmother's brother, to whom she sent a card of her and her two children, which was returned with his effects. He is so handsome, cocky, full of life! In the group photo I think it is he, near the back on the left of the column, in a light suit.

Editor's Comment:
Three single shots and one group photograph of men in Hospital 'Blues' Uniform. 

Private 15249 Albert George Reed, M.M., 2nd/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action 5th July 1917, aged 25. The son of Joseph and Mary Ann Reed, of 61, Rodney St., Swansea, he is buried in Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetery British Extension.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8yu5.2
title: Group photograph including Arthur Blades (2)

description: Group photograph of young boys and girls and one woman (possibly a school photograph). The tallest boy in the middle of the back row is Arthur Blades, who went on to serve as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianasd.1
title: Registration card of Lt. Collinge's grave

description: Editor's Comment:
'Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries' card with enclosed photograph.

Lieutenant Wharton Rye Collinge, 2nd/6th (Rifle) Bn. The King's (Liverpool Regiment), died of gas poisoning 7th August 1917 and is buried in Merville Communal Cemetery.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand65d.2
title: Toc H 'Light' and other prayers

description: Recorded by Walter Powell circa 1983.

Part of a collection relating to Walter H. Powell, Llandrindod Wells, (private / driver M2-267205 Mechanised Transport Army Service Corps). Born 1898, Walter tried to join up under-age on a number of occasions, finally succeeding in 1916. He served many months - (more than 2 years?) - in different army units in Britain, before going over to France. He served as a despatch rider for an anti-aircraft battery in 1918-1919. Walter was gassed "suffering the effects all his life". He was a founder member of Toc-H in Llandrindod, and a keen footballer - he died in 1994 aged 96. However Walter's older brothers (Cliff and Percy Powell) and his uncle (Humphrey Powell) died of wounds sustained during the war.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandcjk.2
title: Postcard bearing poem, sent by Arthur Blades (2)

description: A postcard sent by Arthur Blades, to his parents in Hull, from Hurdcott Camp, Salisbury Plains. Blades served as a Sergeant in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Instead of an image, the card bears a printed poem about Hurdcott Camp. Blades's message to his parents, thanking them for a parcel, is written around the edges of the poem. Part of a collection relating to John W. and Arthur Blades, deposited by Arthur Blades's niece.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandxv5.1
title: Official Army Reserve transfer documents