You are in [Events] [First World War] [Postcard of 180 Coy in The Croft]
As explained in the main article on the 1914-1918 1st World War, 180 Coy RASC (MT) was the first of eight such companies that were assembled in Hungerford before going to fthe Western Front. The Croft was used as their parade ground.
In November 2024, David Faulkner kindly sent a rare postcard showing the 180 Coy on parade in The Croft.
180 Coy assembled in The Croft, 27th March 1915
(with thanks to David Faulkner, Nov 2024)
The reverse of the postcard
The reverse of the postcard included the handwritten text:
March 27th 1915
"Dear Mother this is A photo of our company it is not A very good one so I would not trouble showing it much of course I dont care if you do I will send my photo next good by"
It was not signed, but it was sent to Mrs Percy, 38 Dens Road, Dundee, Scotland.
I sought the help of Roger Day, Hungerford's military historian, who was able to find out a lot of additional information.
James Edward Henry Percy was born in 1891 and joined up aged 24 years 4 months on 22nd February 1915 at Grove Park, Dundee, close to his home. He had been a chauffeur, so he was well suitable for service in the RASC (MT). We know that he soon travelled to Hungerford to join 180 Coy,
By 10th May the unit in Hungerford was complete and fully prepared for battle. There were nearly 500 men and 95 vehicles. On 26th June, to help acclimatise 180 Company for front line service, all men were ordered to leave their private billets in the town and live in their vehicles, which were now parked on the Common. Three weeks later orders were received that they would be leaving for Avonmouth Docks on 23rd July.
From 7am the whole company assembled in the High Street and at 9am, watched and cheered by the whole town, they set off on their way to Avonmouth, bound for France.
James Percy's service record confirms that he joined the Expeditionary Force and went to France on 25th July 1915.
He remained there until 17th March 1919 when he was brought back to England and was admitted to hospital the following day 18th March.
He was demobbed on 3rd June 1919, at Woolwich Dockyard, although there is also mention of him being in Edinburgh Hospital.
He was duly awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal - commonly known as "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred".
The 1919 Scottish Electoral Register shows him back living with his mother Sarah at 38 Dens Road, Dundee. His job description was motor driver, so clearly making good post-war use of his military training.
(With thanks to Roger Day)
See also:
- James Percy's Short Service Enlistment Record
The Canal Wharf, 2011