Orders, Decorations and Medals

Victory Medal 1914-19 (5) (28926 Gnr. J. Childs, R.A.; 62361 Dvr. A. G. Dickinson, R.A.; 21423 Dvr. B. Flanaghan, R.A.; 51832 Gnr. F. W. Harris, R.A.; 14258 Sjt. T. H. Lane, R.A.) very fine (5) £60-80

John Childs came from Great Leighs, near Chelmsford Essex. A Barman by occupation he joined the Royal Artillery on 22 December 1902, aged 19 years. On 5 August 1915 he was mobilised at Woolwich and posted to 29 Bde R.F.A. and landed in France on 27 August 1914. The Brigade fought in the famous artillery battle of Le Cateau and then in the battles of Ypres and Neuve Chapelle. On 10 November John Childs was evacuated from the hospital in Le Havre to England and was discharged from the Army to a Pension on 10 December 1915 suffering from ‘Myalgia’ - muscle injury tension and stress.

Driver Alfred G. Dickinson was a member of 3rd Bde R.H.A. and landed in France on 15 August 1914. 3rd Bde R.H.A. had two batteries D and E and was part of the 1st Cavalry Division. 3rd Bde were immediately engaged in the fierce fighting at Mons and over ‘open sights’ halted the German advance on the flanks of the B.E.F.

Bernard Flanagan lived at Warren House Lodge, Sutton, County Dublin. He joined the T.A. on 8 April 1911 and was called to the Colours on 5 August 1914. He landed in France on 22 August 1914 with 14 Bde. R.H.A. part of the 1st Cavalry Div. The Brigade composed of C. F. and T Batteries was heavily involved in the First Battle of Ypres and Neuve Chapelle. On 21 September 1915 he was evacuated home as ‘Physically Unfit for Service’ and was discharged on 20 December 1915. He was subsequently awarded the Silver War Badge.

Frederick W. Harris landed in France on 11 September 1914 with 24th Bde. R.F.A. The Brigade had three Btys 110, 111 and 112 and was part of 6 Division. In the period 20-31 October 1914 the Division suffered 4000 casualties. Gunner Harris was discharged on 3 April 1915.

Gunner Thomas H. Lane landed in France as a Farrier as part of 37 Howitzer Bde R.F.A. on 23 August 1914. The Brigade was composed of 31, 35 and 55 Batteries and was immediately engaged in the Battle of Mons and the famous artillery battle of Le Cateau. All five of the above were awarded the 1914 Star, last three with confirmed clasps; all with copied service notes and m.i.c..