Fred Newbrook

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 29 June 1894 at St Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of seven surviving children born to Alfred Newbrook, a labourer and his wife Sarah Ann. No marriage can be found for Fred.

Residence:  In 1901 his family were living at 5 Castle Hill, Whitchurch. In 1911 they had moved to 20 High Gate, Whitchurch. His military records had an address of 9 Pepper Street, Whitchurch for him. By 1939 he was living at 4 Alkington Road, Whitchurch and at the time of his death in 1959, 73 Queensway, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a grocer`s errand boy. By 1939 his occupation was a general labourer.

Died: 1959 at Audley House, Newport, Shropshire, aged 64 and buried 2 May 1959 in Whitchurch, Cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King`s Shropshire Light Infantry 

Rank: Private

Service Number: 10694

Date of Enlistment: 12 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 30 July 1917

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit (wounds)

Medals and Awards

Fred was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British war medal and Victory medal) and the Silver War Badge (number 230764)

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


Silver War Badge

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the "Discharge Badge", the "Wound Badge" or "Services Rendered Badge", was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement.


 


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