'Sharpshooter' Ward

[Jelly Terror]

A bit of badge porn currently on display at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton, Devon (apologies for the dodgy photography):

Ward 1.jpg

William Thomas Ward (1866-1917)

Known as 'Sharpshooter' Ward, served as a private in B Coy, 1st VB Devonshire Regiment (1st Rifle Volunteers). He was a famous marksman whose many victories included the Queen's Prize at Bisley in 1897 and 1900. On the second occasion the whole Devon Volunteer Brigade, at manoeuvres near Haytor on Dartmoor, lined the route to greet his arrival in camp.

Ward 2.jpg

Ward 3.jpg

Born at Exbourne, Ward was a carriage builder by trade. He set up business in Okehampton about 1890, first in North Street, next to the old Barnstaple Inn (now the Pretoria), and later in Station Road. His gravestone in Okehampton churchyard is marked by bronze rifles.

JT

[RSM]

Blimey. And I thought I was a crack shot, being able to hit a barn door at 5 foot without me glasses on. That's an impressive and interesting display, a lovely bit of history. Thanks for sharing.

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by RSM

Blimey. And I thought I was a crack shot, being able to hit a barn door at 5 foot without me glasses on. That's an impressive and interesting display, a lovely bit of history. Thanks for sharing.

It’s a great photo, isn’t it? Dare I say it… a cracking shot?

[grenadierguardsman]

Outstanding.
Andy

[High Wood]

A superb photograph and I am very pleased to see that all his shooting prize badges are all still together after so long a time.

[NewCollector]

Many thanks for sharing an incredible photo of a crack shot. Is there a reference which details the shooting badges worn by Volunteers and TF, and when the TF ceased wearing them?

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by NewCollector

Many thanks for sharing an incredible photo of a crack shot. Is there a reference which details the shooting badges worn by Volunteers and TF, and when the TF ceased wearing them?

No idea, I’m afraid (apologies for the shamefully late response).

JT

[Jelly Terror]

On display at the Chelmsford Museum, Essex…

IMG_5489.jpgIMG_5490.jpgIMG_5481.jpg

JT

[Alex Rice]

Amazing, looks like 4 King's 100 medals as well.

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Amazing, looks like 4 King's 100 medals as well.

Are you a collector, Alex?

JT

[Fatherofthree]

Originally Posted by Jelly Terror

On display at the Chelmsford Museum, Essex…

Attachment 285510Attachment 285511Attachment 285512

JT

This jacket belonged to John Tippins, born 10.3.87, the son of Luke Tippins, a well known and extremely successful shot and later gunsmith.

John was a member of The 2nd Volunteer Battalion Essex, before joining, as a Sergeant, the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment, D Company, as a member of The Maxim Gun Team, later moving to the 8th Battalion.

John was also an exceptional shot, winning numerous awards, both Military and Nationally and in 1912 a poll taken amongst his peers credited him with being in the top 10 of marksmen in The World.

A few years ago, I had been told that John won two medals at the 1908 Olympics, but researching him again, tends to show his father, in fact, competed at the 1908 Olympics.

The picture below shows him, resplendent in his jacket, showing some of his awards, with members of The Maxim Gun Team at Manningtree in Essex. Unfortunately, the postcard I have is undated, but does say Merry Xmas on the rear.

IMG_2168.jpg IMG_2169.jpg

He wanted to go to France as soon as he could and went on 19.9.14, as a replacement from The 8th Battalion, into The 2nd Battalion, reduced in rank to Corporal and was unfortunately killed shortly after on 26.11.14.

However, in that time he had 38 kills as a sniper.

For any of you interested in rifles and the like, there is a very good and interesting article on t’internet in relation to both him and his father, covering both military and the field of gunsmithing expertise.

Regards.

Brian

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by Fatherofthree

This jacket belonged to John Tippins, born 10.3.87, the son of Luke Tippins, a well known and extremely successful shot and later gunsmith.

John was a member of The 2nd Volunteer Battalion Essex, before joining, as a Sergeant, the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment, D Company, as a member of The Maxim Gun Team, later moving to the 8th Battalion.

John was also an exceptional shot, winning numerous awards, both Military and Nationally and in 1912 a poll taken amongst his peers credited him with being in the top 10 of marksmen in The World.

A few years ago, I had been told that John won two medals at the 1908 Olympics, but researching him again, tends to show his father, in fact, competed at the 1908 Olympics.

The picture below shows him, resplendent in his jacket, showing some of his awards, with members of The Maxim Gun Team at Manningtree in Essex. Unfortunately, the postcard I have is undated, but does say Merry Xmas on the rear.

Attachment 285634 Attachment 285635

He wanted to go to France as soon as he could and went on 19.9.14, as a replacement from The 8th Battalion, into The 2nd Battalion, reduced in rank to Corporal and was unfortunately killed shortly after on 26.11.14.

However, in that time he had 38 kills as a sniper.

For any of you interested in rifles and the like, there is a very good and interesting article on t’internet in relation to both him and his father, covering both military and the field of gunsmithing expertise.

Regards.

Brian

Superb. Thanks, Brian.

JT