Hi
Thanks
I only recieved the photo last year just before xmas, as a cousin was sorting out Sidney's eldest son's belongings after his death. Also a couple of other old photos -fab!
The date for his gassing was given in the red folder. Which I can't seem to copy on here.
"Coduct very satisfactory. Mine gassed on active service BEF 7-7-16
a very good miner"
signed W ? Holloway Lt
in official blue ink l/c R.E. RECORDS
My father believes he was gassed twice. Is that why he went out and came back!
He says that Sidney had a complete disdain for officers, as they had been told to do things that all the experienced miners knew was unsafe and his colleagues had been killed or injured like himself. He resented these young officers, and I suppose as an older man did not take too kindly to being told what to do by people who knew nothing about life below ground!
He hated the war and all that involved. In fact on his two medals the ribbons have been swapped over and have been like that for a long time. Is this a way of sticking 2 fingers up at the establishment! (do excuse my language)
He spent the rest of his life suffering with dermatitis and excema. With the last years of his life being completely smothered in it. With a bedtime routine of ointment and bandages, and then all the sheets etc being washed the next day. A hard job for my Nan on the old copper!
with thanks Jane
