Small grouping belonging to a W. Shearring associated with Bermondsey

[halcyon.64]

We have just purchased this small grouping relating to the service of W. Shearring of Bermondsey. They appear to have been involved with the British Red Cross Society and the Bermondsey VAD hospital and the grouping was listed as having belonged to a female for this reason.

I've not managed to locate a W. Shearring who was with the BRCS based on their WWI Volunteer database. I did, however, find a William Shearring who was Mayor of Bermondsey during WWI. The role of Vice-President of the local hospital may fit with his position?

The grouping was originally bought in the UK in the early nineties. Would love to know more about it.

Thanks in advance
Kathryn

[MonicaL]

There is some background for William Shearring here on Family Search https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L5KX-Q78/william-john-shearring-1863-1935 Also, a family tree on Ancestry (you needs a subs to it to view) www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/2056377/person/-1246682178/facts

Numerous mentions for him in the press. Looking in particular at the Southwark and Bermondsey Recorder, of the coverage there, he looks to have been involved in local politics from an early age. He became Mayor of Bermondsey as you mention. After this, he was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1927. In the 1920s, he was also Chaiman of the Bermondsey Board of Guardians.

He was involved on a number of local initiatives and groups in the Borough. A busy active man in the community of Bermondsey!

I can't see anything specifically for him in respect of the War years. Have you considered getting in touch with the British Red Cross archives to ask what records they may have for him?

He only had one son followed by 6 daughters. William Henry Shearring was born in Bermondsey in 1884.

Monica

[halcyon.64]

Thanks, Monica.
It is conjecture on my part that the medals were issued to William Shearring. I have no proof other than not being able to find a female W. Shearring that fits the bill.
The British Red Cross Society have their WWI Volunteers database and there are no 'Shearring's listed at all. There are three people with the surname Shearing, but none with a Christian name starting with W.

[MonicaL]

I think the ref to 'Vice President' at least indicates an age range.

The reference number of '9574' on the 10 year service medal, they have no details with that reference number?

Monica

[halcyon.64]

As far as I know, they don't keep records of who was issued with which number badge, or if they do, they're not accessible online.
I just figured that local dignitaries such as the Mayor may have had honorary roles in various organisations such as the Red Cross or be part of their fundraising committees without necessarily serving in a hands-on capacity.
Here in Australia during WWII, there was the Lord Mayor's Patriotic and War Fund, which was that state's contribution to the Australian Comforts Fund.

[jim1]

this is what the blurb says about the 2nd. medal:
British Red Cross Society,For War Service 1914-1918
This medal was awarded to members of the British Red Cross or its voluntary aid detachments who served in the UK between 4 August 1914 and 31 December 1919. Those who were eligible had to undertake at least 1,000 hours of unpaid service, or be ambulance drivers and bearers who gave 500 hours unpaid service.

[halcyon.64]

Thank you. That's very true. However, it isn't named and may have belonged to W. Shearring or perhaps another family member.
I don't have an Ancestry subscription. I was rather hoping someone here might be able to find out if there was a female W. Shearring located in the Bermondsey area during WWI. It's a reasonably unusual surname.

[jonwarrn]

Southwark and Bermondsey Recorder, Friday 8 March 1918

BERMONDSEY RED CROSS.
NEW DIVISION WITH A MOTOR AMBULANCE.
TOOLEY STREET MERCHANT'S GENEROSITY.
After a cordial relationship the Bermondsey Male and Female detachments of the British Red Cross Society have left the Camberwell division, the Borough of Bermondsey being inaugurated as a separate division, on Saturday afternoon...

The Mayor (Councillor Wm. Shearring, J.P.), who was acompanied by the Mayoress, presided, and was supported by Colonel Sir James Magill, K.C.B., M.D. (organising secretary to the British Bed Cross Society)...

After the Mayor extended a welcome to the gathering, Colonel Sir James Magill spoke of the creation and work of the society, and moved a resolution that Bermondsey should become a separate division, with the Mayor as vice-president.
Mr. H. J. F. Badeley, in a breezy address, seconded the proposal, which was carried with enthusiasm.

[halcyon.64]

That's brilliant and exactly the confirmation I was hoping for! Thanks so much.