On the back of a Waltham silver trench watch: ETFRC
GODALMING
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On the back of a Waltham silver trench watch: ETFRC
GODALMING
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ealing...ers_Rugby_Club, perhaps? Might have been awarded to one of the players either as a leaving present, or as a prize after winning a match.
Thanks JL,Quote:
Originally Posted by jl smout
That's a distinct possibility but why Godalming ?
I phoned Godalming museum but they had no idea.
The watch is hallmarked 1916.
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My best guess is they probably played a game in Godalming against a local team.
Thanks. I like that. A refreshing show of sportsmanship amongst the depression of WW1.Quote:
Originally Posted by jl smout
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So do I. A reminder of what we can do at our best, even when we're at our worst. Assuming, that is, ETFRC doesn't stand for something completely different.Quote:
Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker
Well your explanation seems good enough to me ! Unless Godalming come up with something else.Quote:
Originally Posted by jl smout
East X First Rifle Company ?
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Perhaps the RC is Rowing Club?
Ealing Trailfinders have only been known as such for the last 10/15 years. (Trailfinders as in the travel agent as the Owner of the Rugby club is also owner of the travel agent) so it’s not that.Quote:
Originally Posted by jl smout
Could RC be Rifle Corps?
The problem with googling ETF is that Exchange Traded Funds are very popular!
Rotary Club?
Maybe: East Thames First Rifle Company.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfat33
Nobody so far knows for sure.
I'm sure it's a military abbreviation.
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Sounds more like a club or association to Me.Or employer.
Don't forget it's on a 1st WW trench watch.Quote:
Originally Posted by lew07
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With that in mind there were several army camps around Godalming in WW1 including Witley where some where fusiliers moved in. It's still a bit tenuous and I can't find anything on the web and so 'Club' and 'Company' (Army or commercial) are the front runners, IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker
Possibly someone's initials, and they came from Godalming? Being a silver trench watch, most likely to be an officer, particularly with that many middle names, so I did a search of the online database for WW1 officers who came from Charterhouse school, which is located near there. No one with those initials. But it's a start. The next step, if you think this is the likely answer, is to go to Army Records at Kew, and search there. Have a look at http://www.greatwar.co.uk/research/m...ce-records.htm
Oh Yes agreed.But it was not uncommon for watches to be presented before the young men left for service.Ive seen watches from employers,sports clubs, even Sunday schools!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker
Yes, of course ! I had forgotten that. Even from no doubt distraught parents as well. Concerned that their son may not return.Quote:
Originally Posted by lew07
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Might be Charterhouse School associated … 'rowing club' ?
dunk
Still struggling here, but now woking on...'E' Territorial Force (link) Rifle Club.
I was hoping to find that the Territorial Force had a regional command structure so that the E could be 'Eastern', but I haven't found anything so far.
Thanks for all your research. No doubt it was a small detachment.
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