cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2cic.2
title: Letter from 2683 William Albert Wenham to his mother (1)

description: Tom and George are probably William's brothers. Sydney is his nephew, son of his sister Maria.

Transcript:

"BED. No 4251

Jan 15/17

Lc.Cpl. Wenham
2683. 5th Batt
Lincs Regt
Kriegsgefangenen Lazarett
Alexandrinenstr
Berlin Germany


Dear Mother
Just a line hoping this will find you in real good health as I am going on nicely now. I shall be pleased to have a letter from you it seems ages since I heard from you but it takes a long time

You must not worry Dear Mother as I am quite alright. You must let me know how Tom is getting on. I hope he is alright up to now, and continues to keep so.You will see that I am getting a little better at writing but it is still very bad, so I hope you will excuse me. Tell George I will drop him a line next week. I hope you are having

good weather at home also that you spent a decent Christmas. I dare say I should have been home for a week, if this lot had not happened but we must hope for the best. I hope you were not kept long wondering what had become of me, but I wrote you first chance. Well Dear Mother my arm is [deleted: quite?] nearly better, and my leg is going on champion at present.

Give my love to Maria and Tom. A kiss for the children xxx. I expect Syd will be quite a little man by now. Please remember me to everyone I know. Well Dear Mother I must now conclude with very Best Love 
from your Ever Loving Son

Billy
xxxxxxxx"
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2fin.2
title: Items relating to Lietenant B. H. Waddy (12)

description: Photographs of B. H. Waddy
Medals of B.H. Waddy (Militart Cross, 1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal)
Mention in Dispatches
Photographs of the survivors of Ypres from the 2nd Battalion from the Bedfordshire Regiment, November 1914
Maps showing situations
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2km7.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (22)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2q3q.2
title: Photograph of 1/22nd Battalion London Regiment (The Queen's)

description: It is interesting to see the regimental mascot (a Jack Russell terrier, of course). I suspect that this photograph (forming a postcard) was taken in 1915 as my father (second left, back row) looks particularly young. It might have been taken in England before the regiment embarked for France.

Editor's Comment:
Rifleman 684333 Sidney Frank Hewett, London Regiment (according to the medal card held by the National Archives), shown with the ribbon of the Military Medal in the other submitted photograph. He served in one of the Queens battalions (22nd or 24th London Regiment), judging by his cap badge in this photograph, but these were infantry of the line battalions rather than rifles, which suggests he transferred (perhaps to the 21st Battalion, First Surrey Rifles) prior to the medal card being filled out. The award of his militay medal cannot be traced in the London Gazette.

The stripe on the lower arm of the man seated second from left is a 'wound badge' or 'wound stripe', instituted by Army Order 249, 6th July 1916. The photograph thus cannot predate its introduction and was probably taken in late summer, 1916. Note also the SB ('Stretcher Bearer') armband of the man standing in front and just left of Sidney Hewett.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian43g.2
title: Photograph of the Hewetts

description: My father (Pte Sidney Frank Hewett) was in the 47th (London) Division and my uncle (AB Herbert George Hewett) was in the Royal Naval Reserves. My aunt (Lilian Ester Hewett) was a Red Cross nurse. They all survived the war. My father became a civil servant, my uncle joined the river police and my aunt became assistant matron at St Alphage's Hospital, Greenwich. 

Editor's Comment:
Rifleman 684333 Sidney Frank Hewett, London Regiment (according to the medal card held by the National Archives), shown here with the ribbon of the Military Medal. He served in one of the Queens battalions (22nd or 24th London Regiment), judging by his cap badge in the second submitted photograph, but these were infantry of the line battalions rather than rifles, which suggests he transferred (perhaps to the 21st Battalion, First Surrey Rifles) prior to the medal card being filled out. The award of his military medal cannot be traced in the London Gazette.
Able Seaman 219186 Herbert George Hewett (no medal card).
Sister Lilian Ester Hewett (no medal card).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian62pe.2
title: Postcard: 'Our Tank Bank'

description: Postcard of a tank.
Presumably these were bought as patriotic items.

Editor's Comment:
'Our Tank-Bank | The Tank will bring us Victory'.
Pictured is a Mk IV 'Female' (armed with machine guns).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian63hf.2
title: Photography Section

description: Photograph of my grandfather and his comrades in the Photography Section of the 82nd squadron, RAF.

Editor's Comment:
Lt William George Dundas, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed at Doncaster, 7th January 1917, and served from November 1917 as an army co-operation unit, flying the Armstrong Whitworth FK8.
This photograph taken prior to his promotion, in the uniform of an OR.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6773.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (52)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6cn9.2
title: Missing form for 2683 William Albert Wenham (1)

description: This is the official notification to William's mother that he had been posted missing on 6 December.

Transcript:

"Territorial Force Record Office,
Lichfield Station.
22-12-1916.

Madam,
I regret to have to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office to the effect that (No.) 2683 (Rank) L/Cpl. (Name) W. A. Wenham (Regiment) 1/5th. Bn. Lincolnshire Regt. was posted as missing after the engagement in the field on the 6th December 1916. Should he subsequently rejoin, or any other information be received concerning him, such information will be at once communicated to you.

I am, Madam. Your obedient Servant,

[signed]

for Officer in charge of Records

Mrs H. Wenham
49 Barcroft St.
New Cleethorpes
Grimsby"
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6dto.2
title: Items relating to Lietenant B. H. Waddy (6)

description: Photographs of B. H. Waddy
Medals of B.H. Waddy (Militart Cross, 1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal)
Mention in Dispatches
Photographs of the survivors of Ypres from the 2nd Battalion from the Bedfordshire Regiment, November 1914
Maps showing situations
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6pai.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (20)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6r2y.2
title: Letter from 2683 William Albert Wenham to his mother (1)

description: The first known letter sent home by William Wenham after he was wounded and captured on 6th December 1916. Not in his own hand as he was unable to write because of his injury. Apparently not received until March 1917.

Transcript:

"Mrs Wanham [sic]
49 Barcroft Street
Grimsby
[Postmark:]  15.2.17 P.Pr.St.Wahn
[note in different hand:] received it Mar 10th


20/12 1916

Dear mother!
I got slightly wounded on the right elbow so I am not able to write yourself. I was taken prisoner on account of being wounded. Do not worry I am quite alright.
Please let Lillie know. I shall soon write again.

Your loving son

William"
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6rm2.2
title: Photograph of von Richtofen's grave (1)

description: Photograph of the grave of flying ace von Richthofen after his state funeral from the RAF. It was taken by my great-grandfather, WG Dundas, in his capacity as part of the photography section. The newspaper clipping records that it was the photograph used in the media in Britain.

Editor's Comment:
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, 'The Red Baron', credited with 80 confirmed combat victories, was killed on 21st April 1918. He was buried with full military honours by No. 3 Squardon, Australian Flying Corps, at Bertangles, near Amiens, on 22nd April 1918. 
Lt William George Dundas, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed at Doncaster, 7th January 1917, and served from November 1917 as an army co-operation unit, flying the Armstrong Whitworth FK8.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6tx4.2
title: Items relating to Lietenant B. H. Waddy (10)

description: Photographs of B. H. Waddy
Medals of B.H. Waddy (Militart Cross, 1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal)
Mention in Dispatches
Photographs of the survivors of Ypres from the 2nd Battalion from the Bedfordshire Regiment, November 1914
Maps showing situations
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6ujj.2
title: Photograph: 'Nearly Home'

description: Found in Grandfather Archibald Micheal Reynolds papers, who was badly wounded in the somme offensive 1916.
Identified as Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and Yorkshire regiment, possible admin. section, owing to the mixture of cavalry, bandsmen, Military Police etc.
Identified as 1918 due to uniform markings 

Hope its OK
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6xnh.2
title: St Malo - breaking news

description: Photograph from the Cassidi archive, taken by F L Cassidi.  His caption reads:-

Arrival of news - Austria declares war on Serbia - 26 July 1914
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian7qe.2
title: Letter from 2683 William Albert Wenham to his mother (2)

description: This is in William's own hand as his arm had recovered enough to write, although his writing is very shaky.

Transcript:

"Absender: Lc. Cpl. WENHAM
2683 5th BATT LINCS REGT

Kriegsgefangenen Lazarett
Alexandrinenstr
Berlin
Germany

[note in different hand, probably date received:] Feb 1st 1917

[postmark:] Berlin 16.1.17

Mrs. Wenham
49 Barcroft St
New Cleethorpes
Grimsby
Lincs


Jan 4/17

Please excuse writing

Dear Mother
Just a line hoping you are all well as I am getting along champion up to now, I am on my legs now, and my arm is going on famous. You must not worry. I am amongst a lot of British. Give my love to everyone, also wish Tom the best of luck. Love to all from
Billy xxxx"
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian87ni.2
title: Letter from 2683 William Albert Wenham to his mother (2)

description: Written the day after his previous letter, so he must have been moved from Wahn to Berlin on 20 or 21 December. Ethel is probaby William's sister in law who ws married to his brother Charlie. H W Sheckell was a member of the PoW committee in Grimsby.

Transcript:

"[note in different hand:] received it Jan 16th 1917]

Lance Cpl W. Wenham
2683 5th Lincolns
Kriegsgefangenen Lazarett
Alexandrinenstr
Berlin Germany

[postmark:] 3.1.17
Mrs Wenham
49 Barcroft Street
New Cleethorpes
Grimsby
Lincs
ENGLAND


21 Dec 1916

Dear Mother, Just a line hoping you are all quite well. I am getting on famous and hope to be able to write myself next. Please remember me to everybody and do not worry as I am quite alright. Ask Ethel if she will send me a little money as a loan, about a pound by International Money Order from the Post Office. Letter following.

(From) Billy.

[Over-written in red ink at bottom:]
Have written to authorities.
H.W.Sheckell.                                                                                                      25 .1 .1917."
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8bab.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (19)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8dp2.2
title: Two Photographs of 'The Knuts' of 121 Brg. RFA (2)

description: Two group photographs, one including Pte. Trevor Harris, 121 Brg. Royal Field Artillery.  The 121 Brigade was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8j25.2
title: Photograph of 2683 William Albert Wenham in civilian dress (4)

description: Postcard of 2683 William Albert Wenham wearing civilian outfit and seated in front of a seaside backdrop.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8jmr.2
title: Poster for Peace Night Concert

description: The poster advertising the concert to be held on Armistice Night by 82nd Squadron.

Editor's Comment:
'Peace Night | At 7.PM Sharp | Extraordinary Concert by the |
Celebrated Band of No. (Hush) Squardon | "The Delicates". 
Lt William George Dundas, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed at Doncaster, 7th January 1917, and served from November 1917 as an army co-operation unit, flying the Armstrong Whitworth FK8.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8ljh.2
title: Photographs of Pte. Leonard Green

description: These two photographs, taken 18 months apart, span the time between his enlistment and his "demob". During that period he had been reported "missing in action","killed in action (twice), and officially a Prisoner of War (twice).
My impression is that he has matured considerably in the time between the pictures but maybe I'm influenced by the fact that he was my father.

This concludes the series of pictures I have submitted as separate attachments, starting with the report of his being "Missing in Action" in March 1918. 

Editor's Comment:
Pte. 316448 Leonard E. Green, 1/5th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, was reported Missing in Action on 23rd March 1918 and officially declared dead, twice, before his status as a Prisoner of War was confirmed.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8pxz.2
title: Items relating to Lietenant B. H. Waddy (9)

description: Photographs of B. H. Waddy
Medals of B.H. Waddy (Militart Cross, 1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal)
Mention in Dispatches
Photographs of the survivors of Ypres from the 2nd Battalion from the Bedfordshire Regiment, November 1914
Maps showing situations
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8qrw.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (59)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8tuf.2
title: Silk embroidered greetings cards from Trevor Harris (2)

description: Greetings cards sent home from France by Trevor Harris, 121 Brg. RFA to family in Aberdare, Glamorgan (NB one in Welsh, 2 in English).
I understand these cards were hand-embroidered by French women in long strips, then they were cut up and backed and sold to the troops.
Some has a little 'pocket' with a small card inside - there is such a small card on one of the images.
Most of the images were flowers, birds, and other sentimental images.

Editor's Comment:
'A Joyful Christmas', farm scene in snow with flowers, holly, and Red Ensign; 'To my Dear Brother', farm and flowers; 'To my Dear Sister', flowers. 

Pte. Trevor Harris, 121 Brg. Royal Field Artillery. The 121 Brigade was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8tvd.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (51)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8vha.2
title: Officers of No 82 Squadron

description: Editor's Comment:
Note the wide variety of uniforms worn by officers of the Royal Flying Corps, including ordinary Service Dress, with both Royal Flying Corps and Regimental badges in evidence (the latter belong to the previous units of men transferring into the Corps), the plastron-fonted 'maternity' jacket peculiar to the Flying Corps, Service Dress (with peak) and Forage Caps, and even a man sporting full 'flying leathers', standing, fifth from left. 
Lt William George Dundas, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed at Doncaster, 7th January 1917, and served from November 1917 as an army co-operation unit, flying the Armstrong Whitworth FK8.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian91q.2
title: HMS Gloucestershire

description: Armed Merchant Cruiser converted for war duties 1915.
Belonged to the 10th cruiser Squadron with HMS Ebro.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand2b9.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (57)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand6c1.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (17)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand7lp.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (56)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandd56.2
title: Illustrated War News (2)

description: This publication which came out monthly during the war.  It was published by the Illustrated London News organisation and is a fascinating insight with photos, paintings and lots of textual comment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandgwa.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (23)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandkw7.2
title: Silk embroidered greetings cards from Trevor Harris (1)

description: Greetings cards sent home from France by Trevor Harris, 121 Brg. RFA to family in Aberdare, Glamorgan (NB one in Welsh, 2 in English).
I understand these cards were hand-embroidered by French women in long strips, then they were cut up and backed and sold to the troops.
Some has a little 'pocket' with a small card inside - there is such a small card on one of the images.
Most of the images were flowers, birds, and other sentimental images.

Editor's Comment:
'A Joyful Christmas', farm scene in snow with flowers, holly, and Red Ensign; 'To my Dear Brother', farm and flowers; 'To my Dear Sister', flowers. 

Pte. Trevor Harris, 121 Brg. Royal Field Artillery. The 121 Brigade was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandob3.2
title: Photograph of von Richtofen's grave (2)

description: Photograph of the grave of flying ace von Richthofen after his state funeral from the RAF. It was taken by my great-grandfather, WG Dundas, in his capacity as part of the photography section. The newspaper clipping records that it was the photograph used in the media in Britain.

Editor's Comment:
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, 'The Red Baron', credited with 80 confirmed combat victories, was killed on 21st April 1918. He was buried with full military honours by No. 3 Squardon, Australian Flying Corps, at Bertangles, near Amiens, on 22nd April 1918. 
Lt William George Dundas, No. 82 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed at Doncaster, 7th January 1917, and served from November 1917 as an army co-operation unit, flying the Armstrong Whitworth FK8.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandoo6.2
title: Letter from 2683 William Albert Wenham to his mother (1)

description: Written the day after his previous letter, so he must have been moved from Wahn to Berlin on 20 or 21 December. Ethel is probaby William's sister in law who ws married to his brother Charlie. H W Sheckell was a member of the PoW committee in Grimsby.

Transcript:

"[note in different hand:] received it Jan 16th 1917]

Lance Cpl W. Wenham
2683 5th Lincolns
Kriegsgefangenen Lazarett
Alexandrinenstr
Berlin Germany

[postmark:] 3.1.17
Mrs Wenham
49 Barcroft Street
New Cleethorpes
Grimsby
Lincs
ENGLAND


21 Dec 1916

Dear Mother, Just a line hoping you are all quite well. I am getting on famous and hope to be able to write myself next. Please remember me to everybody and do not worry as I am quite alright. Ask Ethel if she will send me a little money as a loan, about a pound by International Money Order from the Post Office. Letter following.

(From) Billy.

[Over-written in red ink at bottom:]
Have written to authorities.
H.W.Sheckell.                                                                                                      25 .1 .1917."
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandtj5.2
title: Items relating to Lietenant B. H. Waddy (13)

description: Photographs of B. H. Waddy
Medals of B.H. Waddy (Militart Cross, 1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal)
Mention in Dispatches
Photographs of the survivors of Ypres from the 2nd Battalion from the Bedfordshire Regiment, November 1914
Maps showing situations
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianf3y.2
title: Rev.Dr. Duncan Strang (53)

description: Unpublished history Seaforth Highlanders. Battle of Mons to the Battle of the Aisne 1914

Compiled by Rev.Strang who had been a Major in the 9th Seaforth Highlanders
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianhm3.2
title: Photograph of C.S.M John Cummings.  10/11 btn H.L.I. (21)

description: John Cummings left the army in 1890,served in the South African Constabulary and then rejoined the British Army at the outbreak of war. Sadly as a Company Sgt. Major (11 Bt. HLI) he was killed on 18th June 1916


Letter to wife
John Cummings
Grave registration
Grave
Cpl.Cummings
Photo.  Officers and Sgt. 11th HLI.  John is possibly the Sgt. front row far left
Death report
Notification of cemetery
Post death notification of Mention in Despatches (MiD)
MiD certificate
Army discharge 1890
Football medal
Death penny
Medals and boxes
South African Constbulary.  Discharge 1901
HLI clasp
C.S.M. Crown (rank)
ID tags
Penknife