Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred eligibility?

[Alun2356]

I am a member of Insole Court Archive Research Group, located in Cardiff. Insole Court mansion was built in 1856 by James Harvey Insole, but it is his grandson George Claud Lathom Insole, M.C. Capt' 1^st Battalion Welsh Guards KIA 12^th April 1918 that is of interest. Now I realise that this is a RWF site, but stay with me for Capt Insole has an interesting military career.

His medals include the following; MC, 1914 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.

The question; Captain Insole joined the British Army in February 1915, during the inauguration of the Welsh Guards, but he has a 1914 Star?

Naturally, following research I know the answer, but my chums at the South Wales Branch of the Western Front Association did not when I posed the question to them. There is no prize for answering the question correctly other than to improve our knowledge.

[LarsA]

He earned his 14 star with this outfit:

War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index, First World War. Holland D - Jobling H V. Medal card of Insole, G C L. Corps Regiment No Rank Motor Ambulance Convoy Civilian. Welsh Guards Lieutenant.


ATB,

Lars

[Alun2356]

Good research Lars, for you have identified that Claud Insole was a civilian when he enrolled with the British Red Cross Society (BRCS), as an Ambulance Driver in 1914. Claud's 1914 Star was issued by the BRCS for he landed in France 29th September 1914 and immediately joined the BRCS. His medal index card records that the 1914 Star medal was issued by the BRC.
I would imagine that many other BRCS Ambulance Drivers, who qualified within the dates served - 4th August - 22nd November 1914 would also have been issued with the 1914 Star.
NB. My Taid, L/Cpl John Bartley 4th Battalion RWF also qualified for the Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred which remain in the family.