Genealogy Chat

Thanks GB - I don't now need to hunt out the little book. ;-)

The thread is 10 years old

My father was in the Artistes Rifles in the late 1930's - somewhere I have a little book telling the history - not the new really expensive one. When I find it I will post details of it on this thread.

I'm sure it was the Artistes Rifles that put on the most fabulous childrens Christmas Parties - I don't think it was his later regiment.

Derek

You might try putting this request on Military Board


There is a Medal card for him


GB

Hello Derek and welcome to the boards.

You would be better off to start your own thread about Henry on the Find Ancestors Board rather than attach your request randomly to a totally unconnected thread which is 10 years old. There are some records to be found for him.

Can you at the same time tell us anything more about him to help us i.e. age, parents, where lived?

TRYING TO TRACE HENRY STEPHEN LEWIS TRANSFERED TO LOYAL NORTH LANCS IN 1916?
ANYBODY ANY IDEAS HOW I COULD VIEW ANY RECORDS?
DEREK

Natalie Thanks for that! The reason why your rellies never told you is simple - it is because, like my rellies 'they thought you knew' GRRRRRRRRRR. Marjorie

Hi Marjorie I think there were different divisions of Artists' Rifles. My ancestor was London, so I looked up the 28th London Battalion (hence scampering on Hampstead Heath!). I think there was a Manchester Battalion, as well (probably scampering around Trafford Park!!). By the way have just discovered from a family member that my Grandfather 'played piano to the troops'. So, that may have been why he was in artists rifles. Also, he lied about his age and was only 17 when he went to war. Now, why didn't anyone tell me this before?!!! Natalie

Marjorie You may have answerd a question for me there. I found A (POS) relle who wed a Christmas Hall. It seemed an odd name at the time. Mind you it was not made any less odd by his name Happy Simons.

Peter Thankyou for that explanation of the name - that was what I had always assumed, but was shaken in this belief by the postings on this thread that it was Artists in the painting sense! What puzzles me a bit though - was there more than one Artists Rifles? If not, what on earth was my Grandfather doing on Hampstead Heath, or indeed, even in London? He was a Lancashire Lad. Hopefully, all will be explained when I get his records. My family is more mysteries than answers. BTW, dont know if this is relevant to anything, but the Surname CHRISTMAS, I have read recently, was often used for Foundlings! Marjorie

They got there name becuse they were made up mainly by people from the ARTS. that coverd Poets, actors, musicians, dancers as well as Painters. There were meny famose names in there ranks for that time.

Just to let you know, Saturday's visit to Kew didn't give me any more clues to my Grandfather's military background, and I'm afraid I couldn't find any reference to the surname Christmas either (I'll email you direct, Chris!). However, I did download the official log for 28th London Battalion. Again, no familiar names, but it was quite sad to read about them happily scampering around on Hampstead Heath day after day, until one entry read 'Received orders to go to France'. Scary!! Ran out of time shortly after that, so had to leave them all in France. Makes you think, though, as my Grandpa was only 16 when war broke out. Anyway, just wanted to say, I'm sorry (to anyone interested in Artists Rifles) that I couldn't find anything more specific than that. Best wishes Natalie

Yes, Marjorie, but the Artists Rifles would have done some delightful watercolours of the Libyan Embassy!! And I agree what you say about the generational upswing in opportunities. My g-grandfather went from son of a Stoker (ex Ag Lab) to getting the OBE for acting as Financial Advisor for the Ministry of Blockade during WW1. Sadly, my Grandfather's career wasn't so impressive. We blame it on the biscuits.....too much brandy in the brandy snaps!! Natalie

Well, you have to agree with me that 'Come out, or we'll send in the Artists Rifles' doesnt have quite the same ring as sending in the SAS, so not surprised they dropped the Artists Rifles bit. I'm beginning to think that the AR was a 'middle class' thing, more than actually artistic - although of course the famous War Poet Wilfred Owen was in the ARs. What is interesting for me is how it shows, in my family at least, how they went from 'Drunk and in the Workhouse' to Opera Singer in three generations. The Victorian Era was certainly a time of opportunity for those who wished to take it. Marjorie

Don't know if this will be of any help but at Bisley, Surrey there is a clubhouse belonging to and still run in the name of 'The Artists Rifles'. Might be worth checking out!

I think 21SAS have dropped the Artists Rifle from their title now. You will find some links and information about the earlier history of the regiment here http://www.regiments.*org/regiments/uk/volmil-london/vinf/L28ar.htm MB

Christine I'll take those details with me, and see if I find anything of interest to you. While I was googling the Regiment, I came across a book called 'Artists' Rifles: Regimental Roll of Honour & War Record 1914-1919'. It's published by the Naval & Military Press. Costs £22. I'm waiting to confirm my Grandpa was definitely in the Artists' Rifles before buying a copy. Just thought I'd mention it, in case anyone's interested! Best wishes Natalie

Natalie Thanks for your kind offer. I found my great-uncle's service record at Kew, but if there are other references to him in the general Artists' Rifles records, I should be interested. Edwin Cecil Russell CHRISTMAS, hotel proprietor from Southampton, Army Number 4150 (“Long” Army Service No: 127685) Joined up 5 July 1915, transferred to KRRC 6 March 1916 Born Jan 1886; killed 7 October 1916 Thiepval. As I have seen his service record, there's no need to make any special effort - just if you notice something. thanks Christine

Hi Marjorie Haven't had a chance to check out National Archives for Artists' Rifles, so many thanks for the Reference. If you, or anyone else out there, would like me to check out their ancestors while I am looking through the Artists Rifles documents at Kew on Saturday, do please let me know. It's my first visit, so can't promise instant results, but will do my best! Best wishes Natalie PS: Sorry you are not heiress to the Custard Cream Empire! Sounds like your lot were more 'short (of) bread' than 'rich tea'. Your ancestors probably did more for the troops overseas, though!

As a lot of you know I ID photos and looking at them I have found it easyer every time I get one to spot the ones who have been to the frount, Its there Eyes you can see they have seen death in all its gory detaile, Thay have a hunted look about them. Makes you stop and think