A.Westbrook No 96768

[slyvia]

I have in my possession a small token that was given to my uncle during the 1914 1918 war. It was made by A Westbrook  who was a Bombadier in the Royal Garrison Artillery. Although it is small and not very valuable it would be nice to pass it on to
any relatives of his.

Slyvia

[Cas (stallc)]

There is an Arthur Westbrook b 1889 Islington, Middlesex, who is in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

His service num is 162

Cas

[slyvia]

Thanks for your reply

The article that I have was made by A.E.Westbrook and he has his service no. 96768 engraved on  it.
I have checked this on the War Records site. It is a cover for a matchbox made of brass. I am hoping
that someone claims it. I know it is a small thing but it was obviously made with love.

Slyvia

[jim1]

He's listed as Alfred Edward Westbrook 213 Siege Battery RGA.
What you have is what's collectively called trench art.

[Annette7]

Only 2 possible Alfred Edward Westbrooks - one born 1886 Lambeth and the other 1901 Kingston.  I doubt the younger would have served in WW1 so would appear to be the one born 1886.

Alfred Edward Westbrook married Edith Gates 20/2/1909 and they had just two children:

Edith Maud b.1909, d.1927 unmarried
Alfred Frederick b.31/8/1913, d.1999 Dublin

Alfred Frederick = (1) 1939 no issue and appear to have divorced
                           (2) 1949 Lambeth

There was one daughter from the second marriage who, like her father, appears to have married twice.   She's now living in Hampshire.   As I can't mention living people by name on this thread I will send you a PM with her latest address on the electoral roll.

Annette

[Ruskie]

Trench art is quite collectable, so it may have some monetary value, but immeasurable sentimental value.

It's lovely that you wish to pass it on to descendants, but gauge their interest first as there is a chance they may not be interested, in which case you may wish to keep it or find a collector who will treasure it.

Good luck.

[slyvia]

Many thanks to
Jim1- Annette= and Ruskie.

Very interesting to know that it is called trench art.

I will let you know  the outcome

Slyvia

[jim1]

Out of interest was your uncle with the RGA. I notice the 213 were at Arras & Passchendaele in 1917.

[slyvia]

Hello Jim 1

I do not know where my uncle was as I only found him and then met his daughter
while searching for my family.
His name was Thomas Elwyn Evans and he was a brother to my father who died
3 months before I was born.

Slyvia