Leeds Pals Titles

Originally Posted by AndyC_65

Resurrecting this thread for the members viewpoint on ebay listing number 321354215914.

For those who can't see it, the listing is for "ORIGINAL WW1 17TH WEST YORKS OTHER RANKS SHOULDER TITLES FROM THE LEEDS BANTAMS", and the pictures show "W.YORK", as per Westlake 881, and not Westlake 887 (LEEDS|W.YORK).

Does anyone have any proof either way as to which is correct? Is it possible that Westlake has this one wrong?

cheers,

Andy C

Andy,

On formation,

I do believe the 17th Bn West Yorkshire Regiment wore the West Yorks titles and the standard West Yorkshire Regiment cap badge and the 15th Bn West Yorkshire Regiment wore the Leeds West Yorks titles and the Leeds Pals cap badge. Both Battalions were subsequently amalgamated at which time I would have thought the 15th Bn Leeds insignia would have been adopted.

Cheers,
Marcus

[AndyC_65]

Simon, Neil, Marcus - thanks for the input.

I have asked the seller for the photographic evidence, although, that may be difficult, as the 17th Bantams would look for all intents & purposes just like the regulars.

Looks like Westlake may be wrong then. Perhaps wrong is a bit strong, how about "not as correct as it could be". Is there a forum project anywhere that collects addendum to the better known of the reference books?

cheers,

Andy C

[oc14]

To the best of my knowledge, the 17th (Bantam) Battalion wore exactly the same shoulder badges as the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 10th, 11th Battalions. All Battalions (with the exception of the 7th, 8th and 15th) wore the White Horse of Hanover in their headdress. The fact that these titles were acquired with a pair of medals to an original 17th Battalion enlistment proves absolutely nothing. The soldier in question could have served with any West Yorkshire Regiment Battalion during his service and consequently the titles could have been issued whilst serving with any other battalion.
If the titles had been acquired with (say) a 1914-15 Star trio to a soldier of the 10th (Service) Battalion would they now be 10th Battalion shoulder titles - no or course they wouldn't. They are simply WW1 period West Yorkshire Regiment generic titles.
IMO a seller just trying to "sex up" a pretty mundane pair of titles.

Just my opinion of course.

PL