Sifting through old papers can be like embarking on a historical adventure. Recently, I stumbled upon two postcard-sized photographs that unlocked a fascinating piece of my family history.
The Royal Army Medical Corps and Whalley Hospital
One picture depicts a group of proud Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) soldiers, identified by the inscription “Whalley Hosp. 1915” on the back. Among them, standing next to a young girl in the middle row, is my maternal grandfather, Thomas William Dickinson.
This discovery unveils a captivating detail – Whalley Hospital, where my grandfather trained in 1915, later transformed into Bramley Meade Maternity Home. Interestingly, my late wife, Judith, recuperated there after giving birth to our daughter, Charlotte. This unexpected connection adds a personal touch to the history of the place.
The 17th Lancashire Fusiliers and the ‘Bobs’ Battalion
The second photograph showcases a group of soldiers, identified as the “(17th Lancashire Fusiliers )” and “THE ‘BOBS’ BATTALION” on the reverse. Here, we delve into the world of the 1st South-East Lancashire (Service) Battalion, stationed in Bury, Lancashire. The postmark dated January 23rd, 1915, further solidifies the timeframe.
Intrigued by the “Bobs” Battalion moniker, I delved deeper. The name honors Field Marshall Frederick Sleigh Roberts, a revered British military leader affectionately known as “Bobs.” Admired for his bravery (he was a Victoria Cross recipient) and leadership, Roberts embodied the traditional ideal of a British officer.
A Legacy Remembered: From India to France
Roberts’s illustrious career spanned various conflicts, including service in India where he earned the Victoria Cross, Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia), Afghanistan, and South Africa. He rose to become the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the position’s abolishment.
Even literary giant Rudyard Kipling paid homage to Roberts through three poems, highlighting his impact and legacy. Sadly, Roberts passed away from pneumonia in 1914 while visiting Indian troops stationed in France during World War I. The “Bobs” Battalion served as a lasting tribute to his memory.
These photographs, more than just faded images, represent a human connection to a bygone era. They weave a story of family, military service, and the enduring power of historical figures like Field Marshall Roberts.