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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lincolnshire => Topic started by: jess5athome on Sunday 11 January 26 16:16 GMT (UK)
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Hi, I have recently found a newspaper report regarding my wife's Grandfather being presented with his Military Medal in December 1918.
The report in the Epworth Bells states, " Cpl W. J Ridsdale....................... was awarded the Military Medal and decorated by General Sir S Lawford at a little village called Appleferry for gallantry on the field.............."
Has anyone heard of a village of this name, I have searched around and cannot find a reference to it and suspect it to be a misprint, your thoughts would as always be extremely appreciated.
My very best regards always
Frank.
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Amcotts would seem the most likely, it is close to Rainsbutt Farm, Crowle, and there was a ferry.
This is assuming that it was not awarded in France. The newspaper entry is not entirely clear, do you know where he was on the critical date?
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There is no BMD event for a W J RIDSDALE in Lincs. Likely just a space filler in the paper.
The Moulsford Lunatic Asylum was apparently known as Appleferry at some time. (mentioned in a newspaper article). At a later stage, it was Fair Mile Hospital (near Cholsey).
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Hi, David, many thanks for the very swift reply, according to the Battalion War Diary, the award was "Notified" on the 15th of November 1918 at a place called Nederbrackle?.
And looking deeper into the poor remains of his service record he was demobilised on the 12-06-1919, I now think I have a mystery as the dates don't possibly tie in.
Frank.
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Hi Geoff-E, sorry I should have mentioned, the "J" is a printing error, his name was William Isles Ridsdale, people sometimes misheard it as Jiles.
Frank.
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Nederbrakel, Belgium?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nederbrakel
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Nederbrakel is a town in the municipality of Brakel. It is located in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes, the hilly southern part of the province of East Flanders, Belgium. With 5,972 residents as of 2000, it forms the largest individual part of the municipality. Nederbrakel is located near the language border. Wikipedia
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His military record shows 41st division and General S Lawford was commander (from searches)
The forward units of the Division were at Nederbrakel, Tenbosch and on the line of the River Dender near Grammont when the Armistice brought fighting to an end. Selected to join the Army of Occupation, the Division began to move on 18 December, going via Enghien – Hal – Braine ‘Alleud – Sombreffe – Temploux – north of Namur and Huy.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01u5m/
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The newspaper report suggests it was in France...
...Sir S. Lawford at a little village called Appleferry, for gallantry on the field. He has been serving with the colours in France since March 7th, 1916.
Published: Saturday 14 December 1918
Newspaper: Epworth Bells, Crowle and Isle of Axholme Messenger
County: Lincolnshire, England
Type: Article | Words: 224 | Page: 2
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West of Brakel is Appelterre - was Appelferry a misreading of this place name.
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That looks quite the possibility
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Gazette entry - midway col 2.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31469/supplement/9388
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I think Appelterre is a good shout, given the paper is a local Lincolnshire one, the wording for it being a Lincolnshire place is a bit odd, a place on the front would make much more sense.
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David Nicoll, Geoff-E, PatLac, Raybistre, heywood and hanes tealu.
Hi, thank you all so much for your very kind replies and the work you have all obviously done on this request.
I am indebted to each one of you, once again RootsChatter's have solved a problem for me, indeed I now see it all in a new and much clearer light, so thank you for that.
Each reply puts it all into perspective and it works out logically and matches with what information I had up to finding the newspaper cutting, but I didn't even think of the obvious setting for the presentation.................... Another learning day.
Once again my sincere thanks and best wishes to you all.
Frank...........
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Just a bit of trivia.
According to research, General Sir S Lawford was the father of Peter Lawford, the actor. (For those of a certain age ;) )
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i was amused to note his nickname "Swanky Syd" when trying to determine his whereabouts when the MM was presented.
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Just a bit of trivia.
According to research, General Sir S Lawford was the father of Peter Lawford, the actor. (For those of a certain age ;) )
I'm saying nothing ;D
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i was amused to note his nickname "Swanky Syd" when trying to determine his whereabouts when the MM was presented.
Seems he was a bit of a character..........