I think it will probably be the RWF Museum that gives the correct answer Pete. Several of the Museum Volunteers are supporters of this site, including Joe Hughes and Glyn Hughes. They may be able to find out on our behalf. On the other side of the coin, as you say, the Flash does produce a lot of interest, which is good for the Regiment and any group linked to it.
Last edited by ap1; 12-03-2007 at 21:08.
Pete, hopefully, the Regimental Museum will be able to provide authoritative clarification regarding the wearing of the Flash by other ranks. I do agree with you, though, that the photograph does appear to show other ranks wearing it. The soldier on the right-hand side of the front row appears to be either a LCpl or a CplOriginally Posted by Birmingham Fusilier
In the meantime, and until a definitive answer is provided, I would encourage you to wear the flash at Zonnebeke next week. I do not think for one minute that it would be disingenuous or misleading and I know from personal experience of attending various Army and Navy Presentations to the public how much interest the Flash triggers from the public.
Hi Pete
What kind of display are you looking to put on ? May 2007 could be enough time for me to earn a kitchen pass from the OC aka ‘she who must be obeyed.’ :bat:
Please pass on my best wishes to your mum and dad also. :)
Last edited by Bob Bacon; 15-04-2006 at 22:15.
Was the flash worn on formal occasions by ORs ? as the picture shows some one in a bowler, pos this was a funeral or maybe a church parade away from the front.
Interesting to note the Flash is worn under the collar and not over as we do today.
The event will involve representative groups from all over Europe. There will be living history encampments showing the difference between British/Commonwealth, German, Kuk, French. This will involve show and tell displays on specialist subject such as the varying types of gas mask, hand grenades, uniforms and equipment and how they evolved throughout the war.
There will be a continuosly occupied trench (the Coltman Trench) with small scale demonstrations of trench raids and the like as well as showing the ordinary mundane stuff the soldiers went through at the front.
On a larger scale there will be arena displays with commentary. This will show gas Drill, musketery and field manoevres and make comparisons between the differing armies.
In addition I want as many interested parties as possible to offer up any type of display. It can be anything general to more specialised presentations, medal collections uniform displays army recruitment etc. I am open to anything at this stage in the game and I have much to organise.
I agree Bob, that they are "other ranks", however the date could have been after the great War, that photo could have easily been taken in the early 1920's, unless you happen to know the date and location. What i'm pointing out is that in all the battlefield photos I've looked at, from the Great War I have not seen any OR's wearing the Flash.I do agree with you, though, that the photograph does appear to show other ranks wearing it. The soldier on the right-hand side of the front row appears to be either a LCpl or a Cpl.
I would also encourage Pete to wear it, as I previously mentioned Regimental Records comments that it was sanctioned for all ranks in 1915. By the time the Wrexham War Memorial was unveiled in 1924, all the Other Ranks pictured at the unveiling ( many of whom had fought at France and Flanders) were wearing on their Khaki Dress, as they had previously worn since 1900 on their Full Tunics.
Last edited by ap1; 12-03-2007 at 21:07.
Some interesting thoughts gentleman and your posts have certainly assisted my thought process.
A couple of points I have picked up particularly looking at the photograph. If it is Circa 1915 which I have an inclination to believe it is the belts they are wearing make sense and would I think dismiss the theory that this is in any way a church or funeral parade. My reasoning behind this is that the only 08 belt I can see is an early pattern parade belt with no buckles for attaching the entrenching tool. The other members in the parade have (although it is difficult to tell in this photograph) leather belts. This ties in with the shortage of 08 web during this period and the introducion of leather webbing as leather was a material in abundance.
Finally any formal parade would have seen some uniformity with the parade belt worn. I stiil have a tendancy to think these are realtively new recruits. Particularly the way the "Tommy on the right rear has his trousers tucked tightly into his puttees. This would have been very uncomfortable whilst carrying out any physical tasks I know I wear them.
This has been a very interesting discussion and I am glad to recieve the blessing of the forum members to wear the flash.
I look forward to hearing more views.
Kind regards
Hello Pete,
When I was in Brum with you and Graham, I mentioned to you that the Flash was worn over the collar during my service. I have since remembered in a Video I have of life of Sassoon and his stay in Craiglockhart with Dr Rivers.He wore the Flash under his collar. I thought at the time it was an error by the film makers. But I have since come to the conclusion that this was the way the Flash was worn during this period.and not an error, as I originally believed it to be.
I have also read some where that the second RWF were doing a guard for General French at a big hotel which was his RHQ just after he wanted the Flash dispensed with, and to the best of my knowledge the Flash was worn on this Guard. It appears Gen French had had second thoughts because he did not say any thing about the Flash to any one, but gave a knowing smile to all concerned.I can only say to you "Wear the Flash with pride" when you do these exhibitions.
Regards Don
Thats correct Don, it was mentioned By Capt JC Dunn in his book, "The War The Infantry Knew"
Thanks Don, The weekend 21st-23rd April at Zonnebeke Belgium will see a major Great War living history weekend.
There will be 137 re-enactors covering various regiments. French, Belgium, German, Italian, Austrian, British.
Amongst them will be one lone 2nd Battilion Royal Welsh Fusilier Corporal wearing the black flash with pride.
Thanks to all who have assisted me with this matter it's been a great encouragement.
Regards
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