I joined Ancestry. Com to research my families war records , oh dear , it appears that my great grandfather was a bit handy with a rifle and a Lewis machine gun for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and mentioned in despatches . He joined up on 6/11/1914 and was demobbed in 1919 having survived the War , one of only two who did from his intake. Like most veterans he wouldnt talk about the war but let slip a few things now & again . I do remember if there was a clap of thunder he would get in the wardrobe or dive under a table . I remember when he was in his eighties , he had the Dr call as he was ill in bed , the Dr told him to give up his 5 a day smoking habit as it was dangerous , he replied , dangerous ? Ill tell you whats dangerous , those friggin trenches in 1914 were friggin dangerous ! The Dr didnt say any more after that . My great grandfather died in 1967 at home aged 83 , he passed away quietly in his sleep . He served in France , Belgium and Nigeria during WW1 , when he returned there was no work , he was a skilled cabinet maker and French Polisher , he made coffins , repaired wooden aircraft , shuttered trenches and built huts during the war but was forced to up sticks , get on his bike and become a journeyman , welcome back , but as he said , at least he came home in one piece . Thanks Gramps , I will always remember you . Your loving great grandson Paul. QMS . William John Seldon. 8171 DCM Devonshire Regiment Nigeria Regiment Royal Flying Corps 1914-1919
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 18:57:52 +0000
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