British Army Captain Named Mess Tunic

[KradSpam]

Thanks guys! Superb work, I didn't think of googling the info on the label assuming they would be out of business now

Interesting bit of info on their about us page as mentioned previously, thanks mate ;

"Lexington Street London W.1 was acquired for Hobsons around 1880. Gold and Silver wire embroidery was produced here along with the weaving of lace. In the basement, the Leather Accoutrements department produced specialist goods of all descriptions.

By the turn of the century the new Hobsons factory and offices in Tooley St ( between London Bridge and Tower Bridge ) were in operation. Several hundred employees worked at making all garments and accessories required for the Guards uniforms."


Ade, I will get in touch with them today thanks for that link, wish me luck

[Jerry B]

They also made headgear, this one from my collection.

[KradSpam]

Nice Gurkha cap Jerry, cool to see another type of tag from this firm for comparison as well

Well, I called the museum Ade linked me to, and sent them these photos, so hopefully I'll hear something back about this Capt Crewdson. It would be superb if it was as early as it might be from that address label, I've never had anything pre 1900 before. I'll keep you posted, thanks for the help guys!

[Jerry B]

Did you try the London Gazette? Use the advanced search function.

London Gazette Home Page

[KradSpam]

Did you try the London Gazette? Use the advanced search function.

London Gazette Home Page

Jerry you beauty, I might have our boy! I found a reference to a Lt Col W. D. Crewdson of 4th Battalion The Borders, written upon his retirement due to tenure of command in 1926. Any idea how old this would make him at that time? I suppose the average age of a Captain in the late 19th Century might be around 20 - 22? I've never used the Gazette before, fantastic stuff!

[Jerry B]

Sounds like you have him, as there can't have been many with that name in the Borders regiment. I can't answer your question though, but rising through the ranks during war time can be very rapid and after WWI he could well have been a Lt Colonel.

You could try asking on the great war forum if the Borders war diaries are accessible, if that information is not known here and the Borders museum do not know.

[KradSpam]

You were right Jerry, he was promoted reasonably fast and the jacket is probably from inside WW1 from the numbers I've seen. He was promoted to full Lt in 1901 (or possibly his son, from the "jun". There may be two men involved here.... bit of a pain), and went on to resign his commission in 1907, still as a Lt. The next mention is in 1919 as Captain, when he ended his time as acting Major and 2IC of the battalion. I've not found anything on him from wartime but I am guessing he joined up again at the outbreak and was promoted to Captain during the war. I will certainly check if the war diaries of the Borders are available, I think there is a good shot of finding detailed info on this guy. My first research job this is, quite a buzz!

Some more shots of the Gazette. Really impressed with this.

[diver99]

Have you got moth on that cap or is it just dusty? Did you freeze it when you got it, and lightly vacuum clean?

[Jerry B]

Excellent stuff mate. I assume he resigned before the war and then either was recalled on rejoined.


You could also try the Scottish equivalent, the Edinburgh Gazette.

Edinburgh Gazette Home Page

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Have you got moth on that cap or is it just dusty? Did you freeze it when you got it, and lightly vacuum clean?

It is just dusty from the antiques shop on the day I bought it.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Things have certainly moved on in the past 24 hours. Nice research guys!

Cheers, Ade.