Info on match box holder - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Alex Rice · #1 16-10-17, 05:03 PM

Hi All
Can anybody help with deciphering the engraving on this souvenir matchbox holder from WWI?
It looks like:
CN Colt INS
157 CLC

The 1919 Cambrai is self explanatory. does anyone know what the 'INS' might stand for and 157 CLC? I am sure it is Chinese Labour Corps as there is also some Chinese writing on the back but would the 157 be a company number or something?

Thanks, cheers,
Alex

manchesters · #2 16-10-17, 05:05 PM

Alex,

The abbreviation CLC usually means Chinese Labour Corps.

the chap could have been an Instructor with them?

regards

peter monahan · #3 17-10-17, 12:48 PM

The CLC was organized in numbered companies - a quick search shows references to '21', '52' and other numbered companies, and worked under the supervision of British NCOs, often men whose medical condition precluded them serving in front line units.

This site has some interesting information on the CLC: http://www.britishchineseheritagecen...?catid=0&id=55

Alex Rice · #4 17-10-17, 03:57 PM

Thanks Peter!

JerryBB · #5 17-10-17, 05:40 PM

Looks to read COLLINS

Alex Rice · #6 18-10-17, 05:35 AM

Hi Jerry
I thought that at first too, but when you look closely it is definitely 'Colt INS'.
Lowercase 'Colt' with capital 'INS'
Cheers,
Alex

peter monahan · #7 18-10-17, 12:34 PM

I don't have access to the British records and a quick search on my version of Ancestry revelas only a G. H. Colt, a Major in the RAMC, but perhaps an answer lies there.

If he were British Army attached and still employed in 1919, I'd guess he was an NCO at least, possibly a pre-War regular who had picked up some Cantonese somehwere, or an ordnance specialist. Just a thought.