cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand4x1.2
title: Photographs and documents relating to David Bell (4)

description: David Bell was my wife's Great grandfather, Killed at Arras 11th April 1917.The man with the horse and cart is his grown up son. 

Editor's Comment:
Family photograph including Pte. Bell; Letter from his Platoon officer (2nd Lieut. Alexander Ferguson) informing the family of his death, sent 14th April 1917; transcript of battalion War Diary from 12th April 1917, noting casualties (among whom was Lt. Ferguson, wounded).

Private S/18613 David Bell, 11th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was killed in action 11th April 1917, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. The 11th Bn., part of the 15th (Scottish) Division, were taking part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, the first phase of the Arras Offensive.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiand52z.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (91)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandgpr.1
title: Letter from Walter Edward Pitcher

description: Letter sent by Pte. Pitcher to his sister, Winifred Hilda Pitcher.
Pte. 325583 (9/7067) Walter Edward Pitcher, 1st/9th Bn. Durham Light Infantry (transferred from the Norfolk Regiment), was killed in action aged 28 on 13th July 1917 and is buried in Wancourt Military Cemetery. Son of George H. and Mary A. Pitcher, of 12, Goldsmith St., Dereham Rd., Norwich.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandzjp.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (96)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianh1g.1
title: Letter from Walter Edward Pitcher

description: Letter sent by Pte. Pitcher to his sister, Winifred Hilda Pitcher.
Pte. 325583 (9/7067) Walter Edward Pitcher, 1st/9th Bn. Durham Light Infantry (transferred from the Norfolk Regiment), was killed in action aged 28 on 13th July 1917 and is buried in Wancourt Military Cemetery. Son of George H. and Mary A. Pitcher, of 12, Goldsmith St., Dereham Rd., Norwich.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjew7.1
title: Photograph of von Richtofen's grave

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/bodleianjl24.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (92)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjqx6.2
title: Group photograph including George Powell (1)

description: George Powell was a very small man and was enlisted into The Welsh Bantams. Being of a very young age when the war began he joined by stating he was older than his correct age. By the end of the Great War George had spent a year in hospital suffering horrific injuries.

Editor's Comment:
Note Wound Badges, Overseas Service Chevrons, and that the man seated left wears the ribbon of the Military Medal, and the patch of the 38th (Welsh) Division on his shoulder.

Private George Powell would have enlisted as a Bantam in the 17th or 18th (Serivice) Bns. (1st or 2nd Glamorgans), The Welsh Regiment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjqy.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (94)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjsp2.1
title: Photograph of Walter Edward Pitcher

description: Photograph of Pte. Walter Pitcher, presented to Norwich Central Library by his father, George Pitcher. 
Pte. 325583 (9/7067) Walter Edward Pitcher, 1st/9th Bn. Durham Light Infantry (transferred from the Norfolk Regiment), was killed in action aged 28 on 13th July 1917 and is buried in Wancourt Military Cemetery. Son of George H. and Mary A. Pitcher, of 12, Goldsmith St., Dereham Rd., Norwich.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianlav.2
title: Photograph of George Powell

description: George Powell was a very small man and was enlisted into The Welsh Bantams. Being of a very young age when the war began he joined by stating he was older than his correct age. By the end of the Great War George had spent a year in hospital suffering horrific injuries.

Editor's Comment:
Pte. Powell is armed with a Magazine Lee Enfield rifle. 

Private George Powell would have enlisted as a Bantam in the 17th or 18th (Serivice) Bns. (1st or 2nd Glamorgans), The Welsh Regiment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiantte.2
title: Group photograph including George Powell (2)

description: George Powell was a very small man and was enlisted into The Welsh Bantams. Being of a very young age when the war began he joined by stating he was older than his correct age. By the end of the Great War George had spent a year in hospital suffering horrific injuries.

Editor's Comment:
Photograph taken in training camp. Two men are armed with Magazine Lee Enfield rifles. 

Private George Powell would have enlisted as a Bantam in the 17th or 18th (Serivice) Bns. (1st or 2nd Glamorgans), The Welsh Regiment.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian235l.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (101)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian24ef.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (104)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian26vi.1
title: Postcard from William Ernest Foster

description: Postcard depicting a German in a barrel, with the slogan 'If der Motor Machine Guns haf gone by, den I kan kom out'. Note that he mentions that his service overseas will be in 'Armoured Cars', 'Big motor cars' with steel all around: this is a reference to the first Tanks.

Pte. 200816 William Ernest Foster, D Coy. Heavy Section, Machine Gun Corps (later D Bn. Heavy Branch, Machine Gun Corps and 4th Bn. Tank Corps), served originally in the Machine Gun Corps (Motors).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2vb.1
title: Letter from T. Walsh to William Ernest Foster

description: Letter from T. Walsh, H.Q. 15th Bn. Tank Corps, to Pte. Foster, detailing the author's experience of being Mustard Gassed and blind for 10 days, and enquiring about Pte. Fosters wound. 

Pte. 200816 William Ernest Foster, D Coy. Heavy Section, Machine Gun Corps (later D Bn. Heavy Branch, Machine Gun Corps and 4th Bn. Tank Corps), served originally in the Machine Gun Corps (Motors).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian62us.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (106)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6c7l.1
title: Hospital Visiting Card for William Ernest Foster

description: Visiting Card from the Military Hospital, Endell Street, London, allowing one person to visit Pte. Foster, Tank Corps. 

Pte. 200816 William Ernest Foster, D Coy. Heavy Section, Machine Gun Corps (later D Bn. Heavy Branch, Machine Gun Corps and 4th Bn. Tank Corps), served originally in the Machine Gun Corps (Motors).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6eck.2
title: Service details of Private Patrick O'Malley (2)

description: Details of service and places visited by Private Patrick O'Malley of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Service Number 12871) from his enlistment in 1914 to his discharge in 1920 (includes landing at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 7th August 1915), ending with details of his marriage to Mary Fallon (sic) in 1924. Part of a collection relating to Thomas Fallan, his brother Michael James Fallan, and Patrick O'Malley.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6m7v.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (102)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6rjh.1
title: Concert Programme for Armistice Night

description: The programme was designed by William George Dundas, my great-grandfather, who was part of the Photography section of 82nd squadron. The concert was put on to celebrate peace on 11th November 1918.

Editor's Comment:
'Der Tag 11.11.18 programme, showing a Bomb labelled 'Allies' falling on a German, with cap band motto 'Verboten'. 
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/bodleian8a7w.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (100)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8du7.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (105)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8jjy.1
title: Medals of Private John Wyllie

description: The British War Medal and Victory Medal, and their accompanying ribbon bars and dress miniatures awarded to 79147 Private John Wyllie of the Machine Gun Corps. The cap badge is a later addition to spruce up the display.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian9ea.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (103)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandhrj.2
title: Service details of Private Patrick O'Malley (1)

description: Details of service and places visited by Private Patrick O'Malley of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Service Number 12871) from his enlistment in 1914 to his discharge in 1920 (includes landing at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 7th August 1915), ending with details of his marriage to Mary Fallon (sic) in 1924. Part of a collection relating to Thomas Fallan, his brother Michael James Fallan, and Patrick O'Malley.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandkpq.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (107)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiando58.1
title: Letter of death of a son to a mother.

description: The original letter is written on a page torn out of an ordinary notebook and was probably similar to thousands written to homes at that time, but it is a moving expression of sympathy to a grieving family.
The most comforting part is the line - "He said. tell my mother that I died trusting in Jesus as my Saviour and that I shall meet her yonder."  The family would have been greatly comforted to know that when he knew he was dying he was "resigned to God's will and patiently awaited the end".  His thoughts were clearly towards a better, heavenly home. 
All I know about him was that he was my mother's uncle.

Editor's Comment:
The soldier mentioned is most likely to be identified with Serjeant 15052 J. Thomas, 2nd Bn. Grenadier Guards, buried at St. Pierre Cemetery, Amiens. The letter is addressed from the New Zealand Stationary Hospital, which was sited at Amiens from July 1916 to May 1917, and explicitly states that Thomas was buried in the 'Soldiers  Cemetery in this city'. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records list only one Thomas buried around Amiens with the correct date of death. The 2nd Bn Grenadier Guards went into action on the 15th September, taking part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, a hamlet a mile away from Ginchy.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleiandqa6.1
title: Certificate of Identity of William Ernest Foster

description: Certificate of Identity and Provisional Protection Certificate of Pte. Foster, used for cashing his temporary pension allowance.

Pte. 200816 William Ernest Foster, D Coy. Heavy Section, Machine Gun Corps (later D Bn. Heavy Branch, Machine Gun Corps and 4th Bn. Tank Corps), served originally in the Machine Gun Corps (Motors).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjaow.1
title: Group photographs, including William Ernest Foster
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjba8.1
title: Photograph of Frank Brown

description: Photograph of Sjt. Frank Brown in the uniform of the Tank Corps. Note part of the white Tankers badge on the right sleeve above the serjeants stripes, and bands of coloured cloth (barely visible) on his epaulettes, indicating the Tank battalion he served with. 

Cpl. Frank Brown lied about his age to join the Norfolk Regiment. He transferred to the Tanks, training at Barnham nr. Thetford before going to France. He later became a Serjeant.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianjgjz.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (98)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleianv59.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (99)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian25fk.2
title: Photograph of Sid Jeeves and others

description: Photograph of Sid Jeeves of the Royal Army Medical Corps and eight other men, four of whom are in African dress., including fez-style hats. Probably taken in East Africa, possibly at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where Jeeves served. Part of a collection relating to Sid Jeeves.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2cqn.1
title: Captured Belgian field gun, manned by Germans

description: Captured belgium fieldgun manned by German artillerymen.  

Editor's Comment:
Photograph 'Copyright | Newspaper Illustrations Ltd.'

Most German Artillery units wore a Pickelhaube (spiked helmet) with ball fitting to the top; the man sitting would appear to be a reservist from Bayern (Bavaria), which did not adopt the Kugel (ball) top until 1916, and continued to wear the Model 1886 Pickelhaube with squared visor (the man standing wears the Model 1895 Pickelhaube with rounded visor, by comparison).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian2xkg.1
title: Photograph of british Officers exploring German trenches

description: Photograph of British Officers exploring the German trenches during a lull in the German offences of spring 1918.

Editor's Comment:
Obviously taken in a position of relative safety, as none wear helmets.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian67ke.2
title: My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918 (110)

description: This is a scanned copy of the book "My Dear Ralph: Letters from a family at war 1914-1918" (1994) by Diana M. Scarisbrick. The books contains extracts from letters  to and from members of Ms. Scarisbrick's mother's family during the First World War. Many of the letters were collected and edited by her uncle, Fr. Ralph Bains, S.J., to which many of the letters were addressed.

Scarsbrick, D. M. (1994) "My Dear Ralph: Letters of a family at war 1914-1918" London: Minerva Press.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian68sr.1
title: Letter from Eric Halse concerning the Dardenelles

description: The letter is a hand written transcript of Eric's letter to his future wife, Annie Bell (Betty) and this transcript was in an envelope addressed to Miss Halse, 63 Bromham Rd., Bedford.  It was not sent by post, or sealed.  Miss Halse was Lillian Halse, sister to Sir Reginald Charles Halse, Archbishop of Brisbane.  The connection with Eric Halse is not certain.  Born in Johannesburg in 1898, Eric Halse came to Bedford with his parents as a boy and was educated at Bedford Grammar School.  After leaving the school in 1913 he joined the Artists Rifles, a territorial unit, and on the outbreak of war was commissioned with the East Yorkshire Regiment.   During the 1914-1918 War he served at the Dardanelles and in France.  Towards the end of the war he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.  He died in 1963.

Editor's Comment:
Lt. (later Capt.) Eric A. Halse, 6th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment. The 6th Bn formed part of the 11th (Northern) Division, and landed at Suvla Bay on the 6th August, 1915, evacuating the Gallipoli Peninsula on the 21st December 1915.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian6m6y.1
title: Captured German soldiers

description: Photograph intended for GHQ. Captured German soldiers.

Editor's Comment:
Presumably taken before mid-1916, as none of the men pictured are wearing the Model 1915 Bluse, the simplified tunic that became very common in the later war years. Instead, they seem to be wearing the Mantel (greatcoat) or the Model 1907/1910 Feldrock (field tunic).
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian7qc.1
title: Emergency Certificate of British Nationality of George Henry Morton

description: Emergency certificate of British Nationality, issued as a Passport to allow George Morton (b. 4th July 1900) to return to Britain via France. 

George Henry Herbert Morton has no medal card in the Nation Archives records, suggesting that he went overseas too late to qualify for the War or Victory Medals. He seems to have been attached to the staff of the British Air Attache in Madrid, Lt. Col. Sandy, and has been photographed for this document in the early (and short lived) 1918 pattern Other Ranks uniform unique to the Royal Air Force.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8a65.1
title: Dead Germans in trench

description: Official photograph of dead Germans in teir front line trench near Guillemont France.

Editor's Comment:
'Official Photograph Issued for Press Bureau by "Topical". Presumably taken soon after the Battle of Guillemont (launched 18th August, village taken 3rd September 1916) during the Battle of the Somme.
DOI: 10.5287/bodleian8esk.1
title: Photograph of Pte. Day, killed by a shell with Seven Comrades

description: Private Day was killed together with sixteen of his AIF comrades during the German Spring Offensive of 1918 (Operation Michael - Kaiserschlacht) when a shell burst directly overhead killing seven of them instantly. Their names appear on seven Headstones in a single row side by side.

The legend on these seven headstones at St. Pol British Cemetery in St.Pol-Sur-Ternoise Northern France, just 20 miles from Arras, reads:

Believed to be buried in this Cemetery

Editor's Comment:
Pte. 925 Herbert William Day, 58th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F., was killed in action 27th March 1918, aged 23. 

According to the Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files, Pte. Day was killed during heavy calibre shelling of a train, which had been carrying his battalion to Doullens, outside St. Pol station.