Bedfordshire/Suffolk Regt - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Sonofacqms · #1 16-09-17, 08:09 PM

I have here some papers and a photo of Thomas Pluck 6223 who enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regt 22.2 1898 for seven years army service and five years on the reserve aged 18 years, he served in South Africa and was awarded a QSA with three bars, Cape Colony, Wittebergen and Transvaal. Also a KSA 1901/2.

I have a Mounted Infantry Certificate issued 15/7/1904 with remarks that he was a "Good Groom" and a pair of Great War ribbons which are the size to stitch onto medal bars. Looking at the photo which I would say was taken in 1939/40 at Cambridge, he had four ribbons on his Suffolk Regt service dress and Sergeants stripes. He served with 3 Company 9th Btn Suffolk Regt from 23/8/1939 to15/1/1941 which were based at 41, Parkside Cambridge when he was discharged aged 60 years.

Not very visible is the Suffolk cap badge which is the Kings Crown two turret castle type, a badge which really should never have been made and issued. Also along with this lot came a Defence Medal which I think Thomas was entitled to.

Did Thomas leave the Bedfords after seven years and spent five years on the reserve which by my maths would have meant by 1910 he was a fully qualified civillian?

Was he called up in 1915 aged 35 years old into the Suffolk Regt and served during the remainder of the Great War going overseas in 1916/17?

Could anyone have any other information on this soldier, I would be grateful.

Regards Rob

Nozzer · #2 16-09-17, 08:19 PM

Great Photo Rob

It might be the light, but does his cap badge in fact have a Victorian crown?

Andrew

leigh kitchen · #3 16-09-17, 08:36 PM

Its indistinct but it could be, couldn't it? Maybe he had an old Suffolk's badge souvenired from previous army days & wore that.
Then again it could be a TF Suffolk badge or the missing turret may just be a blemish on the photo?

Sonofacqms · #4 16-09-17, 08:46 PM

I think it's Kings crown with the two turrets, although it could be a TF badge, sorry about the quality of my photography.

Rob

fougasse1940 · #5 16-09-17, 10:32 PM

The badge certainly looks Victorian judging from the top of the crown.

Rgds, Thomas.

badjez · #6 16-09-17, 11:21 PM

Perhaps someone with more knowledge could explain the Reservist policies? Just because you serve with a particular regiment as a Regular does that automatically mean you become a Reservist of the same unit? It would seem sensible for a man to become a Reservist in a unit close to his civilian place of abode. This is what happened to National Servicemen.

If this man was a Bedfs Regular, but lived in Suffolk/ Cambridge being a Suffolk Reservist would seem logical.

Stephen

Sonofacqms · #7 17-09-17, 10:56 AM

Having looked with a magnifying glass, it does look like a QVC, although there is some shadow at the top. If it is a QVC it was as Leigh said a souvenir from previous service.

Rob

leigh kitchen · #8 17-09-17, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badjez

Perhaps someone with more knowledge could explain the Reservist policies? Just because you serve with a particular regiment as a Regular does that automatically mean you become a Reservist of the same unit? It would seem sensible for a man to become a Reservist in a unit close to his civilian place of abode. This is what happened to National Servicemen.

If this man was a Bedfs Regular, but lived in Suffolk/ Cambridge being a Suffolk Reservist would seem logical.

Stephen

In terms of his WWI service he could've been called up & served in whatever unit he was sent too rather than his original one couldn't he?