Worcestershire Regiment

I am trying to find information about my Great Grandfather, William Henry Ingram. All I know is his army number and that he was discharged from the army in 1920. I would be most grateful if you could give me any information about his military career. Many thanks.

Regards
Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

His medal index card shows the following:
Original rank and number was - Private 10156 This would suggest he was a pre-war soldier and was recalled at the start of the First World War.
He left for France on the 12th August 1914.
His card shows he served with the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.
His number later changed to 203497 and he was promoted to rank of Corporal.
He was awarded the following medals:
1914 Star with Clasp and Rose
British War Medal
Victory Medal

Hope this helps a little.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

That is excellent, Louis. Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Could you please explain what 'Clasp and Rose' mean and their significance if any. Many thanks, again.

Hi Cheryl,

The only Clasp awarded with the 1914 Star Medal was for the period 5th August to 22nd November 1914. It was granted to any soldier who had been "under enemy fire" between those dates (the first months of the war). The Clasp was not sanctioned until 1919 and most had to be claimed personally by the recipient, which explains why there were far few clasps issued than men who should have received one. Many of the men who served in the first months of the war were killed in action.

The Clasp or bar as some may call it was a narrow medal bar with the words "5th AUG. - 22nd NOV. 1914" and was stitched on to the 1914 Star Medal ribbon when the medal and ribbon worn.

When the medal ribbons alone were worn, a silver rosette (Rose) attached to the centre of the ribbon denoted that that soldier was entitled to the Clasp.

Hope this helps.

Regards'

Louis (webmaster)

Thanks very much Louis. You have helped me enormously in my quest for information.

Regards
Cheryl