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Thread: Anybody know what these initials mean ?

  1. #1
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    Anybody know what these initials mean ?

    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jl smout View Post
    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,

    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jl smout View Post
    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker View Post
    Thanks. I like that. A refreshing show of sportsmanship amongst the depression of WW1.

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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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jl smout View Post
    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.
    Well your explanation seems good enough to me ! Unless Godalming come up with something else.
    East X First Rifle Company ?

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  8. #8
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    Perhaps the RC is Rowing Club?
    F.T.F.A.

  9. #9
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jl smout View Post
    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.
    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.

  10. #10
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    Could RC be Rifle Corps?

    The problem with googling ETF is that Exchange Traded Funds are very popular!

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    Rotary Club?

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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    Could RC be Rifle Corps?

    The problem with googling ETF is that Exchange Traded Funds are very popular!
    Maybe: East Thames First Rifle Company.
    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.
    Last edited by lew07; 15th April 2019 at 21:28.

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    Quote Originally Posted by lew07 View Post
    Sounds more like a club or association to Me.Or employer.
    Don't forget it's on a 1st WW trench watch.

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    Grand Master PickleB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker View Post
    Don't forget it's on a 1st WW trench watch.

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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.

  16. #16
    Craftsman trick cyclist's Avatar
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    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

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    Quote Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker View Post
    Don't forget it's on a 1st WW trench watch.

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    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!!

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    Quote Originally Posted by lew07 View Post
    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!!
    Yes, of course ! I had forgotten that. Even from no doubt distraught parents as well. Concerned that their son may not return.

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  19. #19
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
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    Might be Charterhouse School associated … 'rowing club' ?

    dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  20. #20
    Grand Master PickleB's Avatar
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    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.

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    Thanks for all your research. No doubt it was a small detachment.

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