What's this medal?

[buckaroo]

Can anybody tell me some more about this medal?

We believe it belonged to our great grandfather Thomas Uttley.  He was born in Yorkshire, and was in the army throughout his life, he eventualy died approx 1966 in Utenhage South Africa.

The medal reads;

186
W & D H.H.A.F.L
PONTEFRACT GARRISON
LGE. CHAMPIONS
1928-9
Sgt. T.UTTLEY

and some hallmarks I believe...

(JWT) ?

I'm hoping this will give us a starting point for some further research into his military career.  Any help would be fantastic!

Here's hoping...

[hepburn]

http://www.pontefractus.co.uk/letters/048-pontefract-football.htm

This article says "soldiers had a football team,Pontefract garrison who played in the west Yorkshire league".......

[mmm45]

Wakefield and District......HH  Amateur Football League??

Ady

[buckaroo]

That's great... thank you hepburn & Ady.

I had a suspicion it might be connected to a sporting event.

So if Thomas Uttley was part of the Pontefract Garrison can anyone tell me where do I begin finding out more about him?

Thanks again,
Buckaroo

[mmm45]

Buckaroo have you any idea of a timeline he spent in the Army?
Did he have war service WW1 or 2??

Ady

[buckaroo]

Hi Ady,

We believe he was born approx 1900, near Keighley, Yorkshire.  I was told by my grandfather that his father (Thomas Uttley) joined the army and stayed in the army thrghout his life until he died and was buried out in Utenhage, South Africa.  He did marry (obviously), his wife'd name was Phyllis Anne Hall (not too sure of the spellings).

That's pretty much all I've got, so far, so as you'll see I'm glad of any information I can find.

It's possible that he played a part in both WW's

Kindest Regards,
Buckaroo

[km1971]

As he was serving after 1920 his papers will be with the MOD - http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

Ken

[mmm45]

Do you have any photos of him in uniform? Cap badges especially as we can confirm Regiment.Possibly Kings Own Yorks Light Infantry at Pontefract but could be any number.

As Ken says you should be able to get his SR from the MOD archives which will give you his full history.

Ady

[buckaroo]

I'm not aware of any photos of him, but there are some relatives that might have some.  I'll have to make some enquiries!

Thanks for your help,