Tuesday, 31 March 2015
THOMAS HENRY BULL M.C. (b.1876); SOLDIER
THOMAS HENRY BULL M.C. (b.1876); SOLDIER
The Early Years
Tom Bull was born in Fenton, part of Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire, in February 1876. His father, Thomas Francis was to become a publican, his mother, Elizabeth Ann was a porcelain painter. While Tom was still an infant the young family moved to Monks Coppenhall (now known as Crewe) is Cheshire. Tom’s mother had two more children within four years of his birth, as a result and at only four years old, his childless Aunt and Uncle, Elizabeth and Samuel Hall were looking after him, back in Stoke-on-Trent in 1881.
It is not known when Tom rejoined his parents and siblings, but by 1891 the family was together in Birmingham. On 1 July 1892 Tom signed up as an indentured apprentice druggist for a four year period under Edwin Benjamin Morgan of Birmingham. The terms and conditions of these agreements were often oppressive, which no doubt contributed greatly to Tom's running away to from home and joining the Navy. Tom's naval career was short for by 1894 he was back in Stoke-on-Trent, working as a groom. He was living in his home area of Fenton when he enlisted in the Royal Artillery in that same year.
Enlisting
Tom enlisted at Longton, near Stoke-on-Trent, on the 5 March 1894, aged 18 years and one month. He was neglected to declare his previous, probably under-age service in the navy. His Army records describe him as 5' 4 1/4" tall, with a 34-inch chest. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair, and bore an anchor tattoo on his left forearm (no doubt a souvenir from the Navy), a slight scar on his upper lip and left cheek, and a slight scar on his left forefinger and thumb. Tom specified that he wanted to serve with the Royal Artillery, originally signing up for 'Short Service', that is seven years. He was given Army number 3036.
The recruiting process was rapid for the day following his sign-in Longton he was undergoing his medical examination in Lichfield.
The day after that he was declared fit and approved for service in the Royal Artillery, and within three days of walking in to the recruiting office he was at Woolwich depot.
At about the time Tom joined the Royal Artillery it was divided into Garrison and Field Artillery. The Royal Field Artillery was then divided into Horse batteries, Field batteries and Mountain batteries. The Field batteries were numbered 1-103 and had their depot at Woolwich. A battery was commanded by a major with a captain as 2nd in command. It was divided into 2 or 3 sections each commanded by a lieutenant and consisting of a detachment of two guns. The batteries were stationed around Britain, 2 or 3 being garrisoned together under a lieutenant colonel. In a war situation 3 batteries would form a brigade division and added to an infantry division.
Training
On enlisting Tom’s experience gained as a groom were noted resulting in him being appointed to the 2nd Depot Division Field Artillery as a driver (of horses). Following five weeks basic training he was posted to the 61st Battery on 12 April 1994. Tom took advantage of the educational opportunities that the army offered. He studied hard and gained a third class Certificates of Education in May 1895 and a second class Certificate twelve months later.
He was appointed as a bombardier on 3 January 1896 and granted good conduct pay of a penny a day extra two months later. By September 1896 he was based in Aldershot. His appointment as bombardier was finally converted in to a promotion in December of that year. Tom was keen to get on in the army and so sat his professional examination for corporal on 12 January 1897. A photograph of that period shows him, complete with pillbox cap and sword, astride a large black stallion. The sword, a standard issue, 1885 Pattern cavalry type, was standard issue to all soldiers with the exception of infantry privates.
Another photograph of the young Tom Bull shows him 'laying' or aiming a 12 or 15 pdr Breech Loading Field Gun team whilst posing behind a gun in an artillery garrison square. The personnel of a 15 pdr battery consisted of a major, a captain, 3 subalterns and 170 other ranks. 6 horses drew each its 6 guns and limbers; a gun and limber together weighed about 1.75 tons. With ammunition and other wagons and the riding horses, a battery had 138 horses. The Horse Artillery 12 pdr battery also had 6 guns, but a smaller establishment of men and horses.
Tom Bull (to right of gun) and Field Gun
On 2 June 1897 Tom was posted to 37th Battery. Still without actually having been promoted to corporal, he sat his professional examination for sergeant five days later.
After over four years of training and studying Tom was ready to go to war.
The Re-conquest of the Sudan 1896-1898
In 1892 Herbert Kitchener (later Lord Kitchener) became sirdar, or commander, of the Egyptian army and started preparations for the reconquest of Sudan. In 1895 the British government authorized Kitchener to launch a campaign to re-conquer Sudan. Britain provided men and matériel while Egypt financed the expedition. Preparations were thorough, with British army units mustering in Egypt
before the advance in to Sudan. The Anglo-Egyptian Nile Expeditionary Force, led by Kitchener, included 25,800 men, 8,600 of whom were British. An armed river flotilla escorted the force, which had artillery support, of which Tom Bull was part.
In preparation for the attack, the British established army headquarters at Wadi Halfa and extended and reinforced the perimeter defenses around Sawakin. In March 1896, the campaign started; in September, Kitchener captured Dunqulah. The British then constructed a rail line from Wadi Halfa to Abu Hamad and an extension parallel to the Nile to transport troops and supplies to Barbar. Anglo-Egyptian units fought a sharp action at Abu Hamad, but there was little other significant resistance until Kitchener reached Atbarah and defeated the Ansar. After this engagement, Kitchener's soldiers marched and sailed toward Omdurman, where the Khalifa made his last stand.
Tom set sail for Egypt, destined for Sudan on 1 July 1898. Six weeks later, as Tom and his comrades advanced towards Omdurman, he was finally promoted to corporal.
On September 2, 1898, the Khalifa committed his 52,000-man army to a frontal assault against the Anglo-Egyptian force, which was massed on the plain outside Omdurman. The outcome was never in doubt, largely because of superior British firepower. During the five-hour battle, about 11,000 Mahdists died whereas Anglo-Egyptian losses amounted to 48 dead and fewer than 400 wounded. It was the guns of the artillery, manned by Tom and his comrades, which helped wreak havoc amongst the ranks of the more traditionally equipped tribesmen. The battle was the last instances of a huge local army, armed mainly with medieval weapons, assaulting the British, armed with modern weapons. To make things worse for the local population, they had been led to believe that their robes (Jibbas) would be proof against bullets and shrapnel if they covered them with prayer patches. At Omdurman, thousands were to learn otherwise.
The war effectively ended with the capture of Khartoum on 5 September 1898. A triumphant Kitchener paraded through the city 17 days later.
The Anglo-Egyptian victory brought about the complete collapse of the Mahdist movement. On January 19, 1899, the British and Egyptian governments concluded the agreement that provided for joint sovereignty in Sudan, or a condominium.
Tom had served throughout the second Sudanese campaign, from the Nile Expedition to the fall of Khartoum. He acquired and brought back to England a number of 'war trophies', namely a shield, a number of spears, a small knife, an axe and a Remington roll-block rifle - with three notches in its stock!
Within five weeks of the capture of Khartoum, Tom had returned to England where he was to spend the next thirteen months. Within three days of his return Tom was at last promoted to corporal, and shortly afterwards posted to the 61st Battery. He was relatively rapid rise through the ranks continued when he was promoted to sergeant on 11 July 1999. Four months later he would again be fighting in Africa, this time in the south of the continent.
The Boer War 1900-1902
Prior to 1880 South Africa was divided into the two British colonies of Cape Colony and Natal and the Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal. The British tried to annex the Boer states in 1877. However, the Boers rose up in 1880 under the leadership of Paul Kruger
. In 1881, a detachment of British troops was wiped out at Majuba Hill.
Britain acknowledged the independence of Transvaal and the republic was restored. In 1899, the outlanders - non-Boers living in the Boer republics - appealed to the British for aid against the Boers. Troops were dispatched from Britain, and after Boer protestations were refused, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State declared war on 12 October 1899. Tom left for South Africa exactly a month later.
In the battles that followed, the Boers fought to defend their independence, while the British claimed to be fighting for democracy and civilisation. The Boer forces, well equipped by Germany, were larger than those immediately available to the British, and they scored impressive victories in the areas adjacent to the Boer territories. In the Cape Colony, Mafikeng was captured and Kimberley besieged; in Natal, Ladysmith was placed under siege. Reinforcements under the command of Sir Redvers Buller were sent from Britain. At first the British suffered a number of reverses, but they lifted the siege of Mafeking
in 1900 after General Baden-Powell had resisted the Boers for 218 days. The Boers then turned to guerrilla warfare.
Between September 1900 and May 1902, to break down Boer resistance, Lord Kitchener destroyed crops and herded Boer civilians into concentration camps. This barbaric policy triggered indignant protests both in Britain and in world opinion. The Orange Free State and Transvaal were eventually annexed by the British, but in the Union of South Africa, set up as a British dominion in 1910; the Boers were given equal rights with South Africans of British origin. The black Africans, who made up 70 per cent of the South African population, were given few rights of any kind.
When embarking on the South African campaign the British had presumed that the Boers were no match for the professional army that had recently conquered Sudan. Unfortunately the British military did not appreciate that the Boers had recently acquired modern artillery pieces of French and German manufacture, often manned by German gunners. The superior fire rate and range of the Boer weapons outclassed the British 12 pdr and 15 pdr Breech Loading Field Guns dispatched to South Africa. Alternative guns that were already in service e.g. naval guns, were pressed in to use but Britain was forced to hurriedly acquire 18 batteries (108 guns) of the most recent recoilless 15 pdr Quick Fire guns direct from the Erhardt factory in Dusseldorf. These were quickly shipped to South Africa where they redressed the balance of power. Tom was amongst the beleaguered British gunners serving with the Natal Field Force which was charged with clearing the Boer forces from that colony, who welcomed their new weapons.
Tom served in six recognised actions in South Africa, namely Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, the Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal and Belfast.
Cape Colony - Tom served in Cape Colony at some time between 11 October 1899 and 31 May 1902. In all probability he was there at the beginning of this period.
Relief of Ladysmith
- Tom took part in the Relief of Ladysmith on 28 February 1900 or related battles e.g. Colenso on 15 December 1899 and Spion Kop on 24 January 1900.
At Colenso General Sir Redvers Buller
attempted to force a crossing of the Tugela River. Colonel Charles Long led the British artillery. Although under orders not to close with the enemy, Long chose to rush to within 700 yards of the foe. As soon as the Boers noticed Long’s recklessness, a thousand Mauser rifles 
concentrated fire on the twelve field guns and troops of 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery. With no infantry to protect them, the gunners suffered a heavy toll. When a third of them had been killed or wounded, the decision was made to move the survivors into a nearby hollow for shelter, abandoning their guns. Captain Walter Norris Congreve 
(The Rifle Brigade), Corporal George Edward Nurse 
(Royal Field Artillery), (Royal Field Artillery) and Lieutenant The Hon. Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts (King's Royal Rifle Corps), the son of Field Marshal Earl Roberts (the British Commander-in-Chief), were all awarded the Victoria Cross for the efforts in helping to retrieve two of the guns. Alas the rest of the guns were captured and the battle lost.
The British suffered another defeat at
They had advanced to the top of the hill and cleared it, only to be pinned by the deadly accurate rifle fire of the heavily entrenched Boer irregulars. The Boers outgunned six batteries of the Royal Field Artillery.
On 5 February, Buller was again defeated by the Boers at Vaalkrans in a third attempt to relieve Ladysmith suffering 333 casualties and retreating for a third time across the Tugela river.
Instead of General Sir Redvers Buller, he was by now referred to by many of his men as Sir Reverse Buller. Although the British had crossed the river and taken the position from the Boer forces, they determined that their forces were insufficient to breach the Boer lines and retreated.
Tugela Heights -
Tom served as part of the Natal Field Force during the battle of Tugela Heights from 14 to 27 February 1900. The fighting commenced on the 23 February and was halted two days later, when an armistice was called to remove the dead and dying from the battlefield. During this respite, the Boers emerged from their sangars, and the combatants' swapped tobacco and drank whisky together. At the end of the armistice, however, the British gunner took range on the well-camouflaged positions to which the Boers returned. By the morning of the 26 February, Gen. Buller had positioned 76 guns across the Thukela on the south bank, and the following day, the hopelessly outnumbered Boers were subjected to a determined onslaught by virtually every brigade available to the British. It was during the course of the day that news reached both Boer and British of the surrender of Gen. Piet Cronje at Paardeberg 
on this, the same day that the Boers had achieved their victory at Majuba in 1881. The sheer weight of numbers, supported by the most intensive artillery bombardment in the war to date, resulted in the British overrunning the Boers’ positions on Hart’s, Kitchener's and Railway Hills.
On the 28 February, the British broke through at Pieters,
close to the left extremity of the Boers’ defensive line, and later that day, a composite force of mounted infantry commanded by Maj. Gough rode into Ladysmith, followed by Lord Dundonald a few minutes later. The British casualties during the battle of the Tugela Heights had been heavy; they lost some 2259 killed, wounded and missing, compared with approximately 232 Boers according to official sources. The total strengths also vary, with most sources giving those of the British as some 28000 (with 85 guns) to the 3000-5000 Boers with some 11 guns. This engagement was, until the Falklands War, the greatest ever land battle fought in the Southern hemisphere. Boer fortifications and military cemeteries remain on several of the hills. The 118-day siege of Ladysmith was finally at an end.
Orange Free State - Tom was present within Orange Free State (renamed to Orange Free Colony by the British on 28 May 1900) and at some time between 28 February 1900 and 21 May 1902 but did not take part in any of the recognised battles in the area. After the relief of Ladysmith the British advanced from the southwest into the Orange Free State, capturing its capital, Bloemfontein on 13 March 1900. Lord Roberts, the British commander-in-chief, decided to stop in Bloemfontein
for a few weeks, giving his troops time to recover and allowing for the railway connection with the Cape to be repaired.
Transvaal - Tom served in the Transvaal at some time between 24 May 1900 and 31 May 1902, but again did not take part in any of the recognised battles in that area. Johannesburg was captured on 31 May and Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal, on 5 June. Upon these defeats, President Kruger fled to Europe. The Boer republic was renamed Crown Colony of Transvaal.
Obviously enjoying his military vocation, on 20 August 1900 Tom signed up to an extension of his military service to twelve years.
Belfast - On 26 or 27 August 1900 Tom was east of a north-south line drawn through Wonderfonein, and west of a north-south line through Dalmanutha Station,
and north of an east-west line drawn through Carolina.
The focus of the war then moved to the Kimberley area and ended in 1902 after a protracted guerilla campaign by the Boers and the use of a scorched earth policy by the British. What was confidently expected to be a quick three month exercise to teach the farmers a lesson ended up with over half a million men in combat, fifty thousand men of both sides and almost half a million horses dead.
Having survived the war and acquitted himself well, on 1 September 1902 and whilst still in South Africa, Tom was awarded a gratuity of £8-11-6 and good conduct pay of 2d/day on top of his basic pay.
Tom arrived home in October 1902 having spent nearly three years in South Africa. He was based back at Woolwich depot, marrying Ada Maria Tiller in St Peter's Catholic church, Woolwich, on 14 October 1903, twelve months after his return to England.
Tom was still active in the regiment, being promoted to battery 2nd major sergeant on 27 April 1904. In May of the following year he elected to serve a full twenty-one year, military service term.
Tom Bull and Ada Maria c1904
Ada and Tom’s first child, David Frank, was born in Hospital in Newbridge (possibly near Dublin) on 30 January 1906. Unfortunately the infant died three weeks later. The couple stayed in Newbridge for a least another twelve months, but on 16 February 1907 Tom was posted to India.
India 1907-1914
In 1900, there were less than 150,000 British people in India - a few of them settlers and traders, but mostly soldiers and civil servants. The British formed a privileged society living in Delhi, Lahore,
Simla and Bombay. Racist attitudes were commonplace. On the one hand, there were the white "sahibs", who drank whisky, dined in dinner jackets, and played golf, polo, tennis and cricket. On the other, there were the natives who, even if educated and cultured, were kept in subordinate positions. Only the cleverest members of the Indian urban elite and the sons of maharajas went to study in Britain, where they learned the benefits of British civilisation - suits and wing-collar shirts, bridge, and legal studies. This is the world that Tom entered in February 1907.
India was a relatively benign and long term posting, so much so that Ada was allowed to accompany Tom. She was pregnant at the time with Lionel Henry Lawton, who was born in Ahmednagar on 18 July. Ahmednagar
is situated in Maharashtra State, near to Bombay on the western side of India. The British Army occupied a large ancient fort in the city, which is still a large army base today.
Tom continued his academic studies whilst in India, achieving his 1st class Certificate of Education in September 1908. A career reward followed in March of the following year, when he was promoted to battery quarter master sergeant and immediately allowed to draw associated clothing allowance.
Tom’s second son, Frederick Basil Thomas, was born in Numuch on 24 October 1909.
During December 1911 Tom attended King George V’s Durbar in Delhi. This impressive event, which included a major military display, saw the proclamation of George V as emperor of India and was the culmination of British imperial confidence. At the Durbar it was formally announced that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
In July 1913 Tom was promoted to warrant officer and moved from the 58th Brigade to the 18th Brigade, India Army Lahore Division, based in Fergepore, on his appointment as regimental sergeant major.
With the clouds of war gathering over Europe, the 18th Brigade were posted back to Britain in March 1914.
The First World War
On returning to England Tom was posted to the 35th Brigade in preparation for the anticipated conflict. The Brigade was the basic tactical unit of the field artillery of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1918. It was composed of a Brigade Headquarters and a number of batteries of guns or howitzers. At full establishment, a Brigade of 18-lbr field guns consisted of 795 men, of whom 23 were officers. For a 4.5-inch Howitzer Brigade, this was 755 and 22.
The 35th Brigade was attached to the 7th Division, which was formed during September and very early October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. They were initially moved to Belgium, landing at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, to assist in the defence of Antwerp. By the time they arrived, however the city was already falling, and the 7th were instead ordered to hold certain important bridges and other places that would help the westward evacuation of the Belgian Army. Once the Belgians were through, the Division was moved westwards, where they entrenched in front of Ypres, the first British troops to occupy that fateful place.
The Division proceeded to fight the advancing German army to a standstill at the First Battle of Ypres, from 19 October to 22 November 1914. Tom was lucky to survive as all units suffered grievous losses, and it was not until the following January/February that it was once more in a complete enough condition to be considered at full fighting strength. After First Ypres, it was often known as the Immortal Seventh.
The Menin gate in the town of Ypres was built to the memory of the allied troops who were killed there
On 17 February 1915 Tom was mentioned in dispaches and awarded the Military Cross the following day. Extensive research has failed to find any mention of a particular action that resulted in the award of the Military Cross, so it appears that it was awarded for meritorius service on Toms' part. Tom’s twenty-one years service was coming to an end in 1915, but in August he volunteered to stay in the service for an additional four years. As a result he was posted to 7 Depot Company, probably taking him away from the front line. In September 1916 he was awarded a £25 bounty.
Evidence of how highly regarded Tom was a soldier exists in family papers. These include field telegrams from Tom's colonel to the divisional/corps commander asking for permission to give him a "Field promotion" to 2nd Lieutenant on the quartermaster staff. Permission was denied with his age (mid-forties) being cited as the reason. Further telegrams were sent back to commanders office citing an officer a year older who had been promoted the previous year, but to no avail.
Tom was awarded a Meritorious Service medal in January 1918. He returned home twelve months later, having already given three months notice of discharge. On return to England he was immediately posted to the 4th Reserve Brigade. He was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at the same time.
Tom finally left the army on 14 March 1919, having completed 25 years, 10 days service. During that time he had become one of the most highly decorated soldiers of his day.
A contemporary photo shows him in his '02 battle dress with stiff rimmed cap and wearing leather riding gaiters and spurs over his boots. He sports a magnificent waxed moustache and is smoking a pipe. Family stories tell how Tom had his horse shot from under him and the hilt of his sword shot off.
Queen's Sudan Medal
For his services in Sudan, Tom was awarded the Queen's Sudan Medal and the Khedives Sudan Medal with Khartoum clasp.
Khedives Sudan Medal
As for earlier Egyptian and Sudanese campaigns, the ruler of Egypt (the Khedive) awarded a separate medal on the many expeditions into the Sudan between 1896 and 1899.
Queens South Africa Medal
There were 177,000 QSAs issued. All the QSAs were issued named, with the recipient's details shown on the medal's rim. The majority had the recipient's details in impressed capitals, although some have the details engraved.
A total of 26 clasps were awarded with this medal, but a maximum of 9 were awarded to any one army soldier. Of the 26 clasps, 5 clasps were termed "State" clasps. These State clasps were for areas that contained so many incidents or battles, that it was not deemed appropriate to issue a "Battle" clasp for each individual action. The "Battle" clasps were issued for named actions, although these actions often consisted of several, separate, sometimes major but related actions. Tom received six clasps; Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal and Belfast.
Kings South Africa Medal
Following the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901, her eldest son King Edward VII became her successor. The KSA was issued to personnel who were serving in South Africa on or after 1 January 1901 and who would have completed at least 18 months' service prior to 1 June 1902.
The two clasps available with the KSA are South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.
The KSA was always issued together with the QSA, and was always issued with either one or both clasps. All the KSAs were issued named, with the recipient's details shown on the medal's rim.
Kings Durbar Medal
This medal marked the Delhi Durbar (official reception) held in the King Emperor’s honour in December 1911. 10,000 of the 30,000 silver versions of this medal were awarded to officers and other ranks of the British and Indian Armies, for exemplary service, without their necessarily being present at the Durbar itself.
Mentioned in Despatches was the lowest form of recognition that was announced in the London Gazette. Originally there was no award as such, the literal mention of the individual in the Commander-in-Chief's despatch back to the War Office in London being deemed sufficient. The mention was denoted by the wearing of a bronze oakleaf emblem on the ribbon of the Victory Medal.
Military Cross
First instituted on 28th December 1914 as an award for gallantry or meritorious service, for officers with the rank of Captain and below, and for Warrant Officers (NCO's with warrant - at the time, this was only a Regimental Sergeant-Major). There were 37,000 Military Crosses awarded in World War I.
1914 Star
The star was awarded to all officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces, serving in France or Belgium on the establishment of the British Expeditionary Forces between 5 August 1914 and midnight of 22/23 November 1914. It is often called the ‘Mons Star’. The majority of the recipients of the star were officers and men of the prewar British Army, the "old Contemptibles" who landed in France soon after the outbreak of the First World War and who took part in the retreat from Mons, hence the popular nickname of Mons Star.
A total of 378,000 1914 Stars were awarded.
British War Medal
This medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War and record the service given. A total of approximately 6,500,000 silver medals were issued.
Victory Medal
The medal was awarded to all ranks of the fighting forces who actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 (inclusive). This medal was never issued alone. It was issued to those that already had the 1914 or 1914 - 15 Stars and most of those who had the British War Medal. It is often known as the Allied War Medal because the same basic design and double rainbow ribbon were adopted by thirteen other Allied nations
Approximately 5,725,000 British Victory medals were issued.
Meritorious Service medal
Established by Queen Victoria 1845 to recognise meritorious service by sergeants and other senior NCOs, the Meritorious Service Medal was known for many years as "The Sergeant's Medal". It was originally awarded with an annuity, though such practice ceased around 1854. After 1854 the award was available to officers and non-officers for "exceptional, outstanding service, not in a time of war". During the period 1916-19 Army NCOs could be awarded this medal immediately if they had performed especially meritorious service in difficult circumstances. In these cases the recipient's service number is shown together with his other details, however for the meritorious-type of award the service number is not shown with the recipient's other details.
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
The Long Service and Good Conduct medal was first authorised in 1830 and is still on current issue. In Tom's day the recipient must have served at least 18 years (14 years today) in the ranks with a high standard of conduct. The vast majority of these medals are issued named to the recipient, with the name on the rim around the medal.
After the war Tom was one day walking in Brighton with his sister, when a Brigadier walked past him; the officer turned round and called after Tom, 'Soldier, you are wearing an improper group!' (Presumably Tom was wearing his medal ribbons). When Tom turned and approached the officer, the latter took a closer look and after exchanging a few words said 'Ah, I see.' - perhaps he had noticed the Military Cross which was only very rarely awarded to 'common soldiers'. Tom said very little about his army experiences and only used to talk of them with other old soldiers.
A representation of Tom's medal group
Civilian Life
After a long and distinguished military career Tom finally left the army on 14th March 1919. On leaving the army he became a Metropolitan Water board inspector. Tom and Ada possibly lived with his wife parents at 28 Burrage Road, Woolwich. In the late 1920's Tom purchased a public house, "The Bricklayers Arms", at 10 Thomas street no more than three minutes walk from the main gate of Woolwich Arsenal.
Tom had two sons, Lionel and Frederick. The former met May Ethal Berry when she went to London from her home town of Haslemere at the start of the war. Lionel arranged lodgings for her at his father's public house. Tom remained close to his brother-in-law’s Hancocks family, entertaining them whenever they attended motor shows or other events in London .Whilst serving in India, Tom learned to speak one of the native languages such that in later years he would impress family members by placing orders in Veeraswamy's Indian restaurant in the native tongue of the waiters. Veeraswamy's, which opened on Regent Street in 1927, was the first fashionable Indian restaurant in the UK.
Thomas Henry Bull died of a heart attack at "The Bricklayers Arms" on 14 December 1949. His widow lived on at the same address until her death in Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, on 8 August 1958. By that time her son Frederick Thomas Basil was the licensee.
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Acknowledgement: I am pleased to acknowledge the help of Thomas Bull, grandson of Thomas Henry Bull, in supplying information included in this essay.
This page last updated 8 September 2007
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The Early Years
Tom Bull was born in Fenton, part of Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire, in February 1876. His father, Thomas Francis was to become a publican, his mother, Elizabeth Ann was a porcelain painter. While Tom was still an infant the young family moved to Monks Coppenhall (now known as Crewe) is Cheshire. Tom’s mother had two more children within four years of his birth, as a result and at only four years old, his childless Aunt and Uncle, Elizabeth and Samuel Hall were looking after him, back in Stoke-on-Trent in 1881.It is not known when Tom rejoined his parents and siblings, but by 1891 the family was together in Birmingham. On 1 July 1892 Tom signed up as an indentured apprentice druggist for a four year period under Edwin Benjamin Morgan of Birmingham. The terms and conditions of these agreements were often oppressive, which no doubt contributed greatly to Tom's running away to from home and joining the Navy. Tom's naval career was short for by 1894 he was back in Stoke-on-Trent, working as a groom. He was living in his home area of Fenton when he enlisted in the Royal Artillery in that same year.
Enlisting
Tom enlisted at Longton, near Stoke-on-Trent, on the 5 March 1894, aged 18 years and one month. He was neglected to declare his previous, probably under-age service in the navy. His Army records describe him as 5' 4 1/4" tall, with a 34-inch chest. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair, and bore an anchor tattoo on his left forearm (no doubt a souvenir from the Navy), a slight scar on his upper lip and left cheek, and a slight scar on his left forefinger and thumb. Tom specified that he wanted to serve with the Royal Artillery, originally signing up for 'Short Service', that is seven years. He was given Army number 3036.
The recruiting process was rapid for the day following his sign-in Longton he was undergoing his medical examination in Lichfield.
The day after that he was declared fit and approved for service in the Royal Artillery, and within three days of walking in to the recruiting office he was at Woolwich depot.At about the time Tom joined the Royal Artillery it was divided into Garrison and Field Artillery. The Royal Field Artillery was then divided into Horse batteries, Field batteries and Mountain batteries. The Field batteries were numbered 1-103 and had their depot at Woolwich. A battery was commanded by a major with a captain as 2nd in command. It was divided into 2 or 3 sections each commanded by a lieutenant and consisting of a detachment of two guns. The batteries were stationed around Britain, 2 or 3 being garrisoned together under a lieutenant colonel. In a war situation 3 batteries would form a brigade division and added to an infantry division.
Training
On enlisting Tom’s experience gained as a groom were noted resulting in him being appointed to the 2nd Depot Division Field Artillery as a driver (of horses). Following five weeks basic training he was posted to the 61st Battery on 12 April 1994. Tom took advantage of the educational opportunities that the army offered. He studied hard and gained a third class Certificates of Education in May 1895 and a second class Certificate twelve months later.
He was appointed as a bombardier on 3 January 1896 and granted good conduct pay of a penny a day extra two months later. By September 1896 he was based in Aldershot. His appointment as bombardier was finally converted in to a promotion in December of that year. Tom was keen to get on in the army and so sat his professional examination for corporal on 12 January 1897. A photograph of that period shows him, complete with pillbox cap and sword, astride a large black stallion. The sword, a standard issue, 1885 Pattern cavalry type, was standard issue to all soldiers with the exception of infantry privates.
Another photograph of the young Tom Bull shows him 'laying' or aiming a 12 or 15 pdr Breech Loading Field Gun team whilst posing behind a gun in an artillery garrison square. The personnel of a 15 pdr battery consisted of a major, a captain, 3 subalterns and 170 other ranks. 6 horses drew each its 6 guns and limbers; a gun and limber together weighed about 1.75 tons. With ammunition and other wagons and the riding horses, a battery had 138 horses. The Horse Artillery 12 pdr battery also had 6 guns, but a smaller establishment of men and horses.
Tom Bull (to right of gun) and Field Gun
On 2 June 1897 Tom was posted to 37th Battery. Still without actually having been promoted to corporal, he sat his professional examination for sergeant five days later.
After over four years of training and studying Tom was ready to go to war.
The Re-conquest of the Sudan 1896-1898
In 1892 Herbert Kitchener (later Lord Kitchener) became sirdar, or commander, of the Egyptian army and started preparations for the reconquest of Sudan. In 1895 the British government authorized Kitchener to launch a campaign to re-conquer Sudan. Britain provided men and matériel while Egypt financed the expedition. Preparations were thorough, with British army units mustering in Egypt
before the advance in to Sudan. The Anglo-Egyptian Nile Expeditionary Force, led by Kitchener, included 25,800 men, 8,600 of whom were British. An armed river flotilla escorted the force, which had artillery support, of which Tom Bull was part.In preparation for the attack, the British established army headquarters at Wadi Halfa and extended and reinforced the perimeter defenses around Sawakin. In March 1896, the campaign started; in September, Kitchener captured Dunqulah. The British then constructed a rail line from Wadi Halfa to Abu Hamad and an extension parallel to the Nile to transport troops and supplies to Barbar. Anglo-Egyptian units fought a sharp action at Abu Hamad, but there was little other significant resistance until Kitchener reached Atbarah and defeated the Ansar. After this engagement, Kitchener's soldiers marched and sailed toward Omdurman, where the Khalifa made his last stand.
Tom set sail for Egypt, destined for Sudan on 1 July 1898. Six weeks later, as Tom and his comrades advanced towards Omdurman, he was finally promoted to corporal.
On September 2, 1898, the Khalifa committed his 52,000-man army to a frontal assault against the Anglo-Egyptian force, which was massed on the plain outside Omdurman. The outcome was never in doubt, largely because of superior British firepower. During the five-hour battle, about 11,000 Mahdists died whereas Anglo-Egyptian losses amounted to 48 dead and fewer than 400 wounded. It was the guns of the artillery, manned by Tom and his comrades, which helped wreak havoc amongst the ranks of the more traditionally equipped tribesmen. The battle was the last instances of a huge local army, armed mainly with medieval weapons, assaulting the British, armed with modern weapons. To make things worse for the local population, they had been led to believe that their robes (Jibbas) would be proof against bullets and shrapnel if they covered them with prayer patches. At Omdurman, thousands were to learn otherwise.
The war effectively ended with the capture of Khartoum on 5 September 1898. A triumphant Kitchener paraded through the city 17 days later.
The Anglo-Egyptian victory brought about the complete collapse of the Mahdist movement. On January 19, 1899, the British and Egyptian governments concluded the agreement that provided for joint sovereignty in Sudan, or a condominium.
Tom had served throughout the second Sudanese campaign, from the Nile Expedition to the fall of Khartoum. He acquired and brought back to England a number of 'war trophies', namely a shield, a number of spears, a small knife, an axe and a Remington roll-block rifle - with three notches in its stock!
Within five weeks of the capture of Khartoum, Tom had returned to England where he was to spend the next thirteen months. Within three days of his return Tom was at last promoted to corporal, and shortly afterwards posted to the 61st Battery. He was relatively rapid rise through the ranks continued when he was promoted to sergeant on 11 July 1999. Four months later he would again be fighting in Africa, this time in the south of the continent.
The Boer War 1900-1902
Prior to 1880 South Africa was divided into the two British colonies of Cape Colony and Natal and the Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal. The British tried to annex the Boer states in 1877. However, the Boers rose up in 1880 under the leadership of Paul Kruger
. In 1881, a detachment of British troops was wiped out at Majuba Hill. Britain acknowledged the independence of Transvaal and the republic was restored. In 1899, the outlanders - non-Boers living in the Boer republics - appealed to the British for aid against the Boers. Troops were dispatched from Britain, and after Boer protestations were refused, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State declared war on 12 October 1899. Tom left for South Africa exactly a month later.In the battles that followed, the Boers fought to defend their independence, while the British claimed to be fighting for democracy and civilisation. The Boer forces, well equipped by Germany, were larger than those immediately available to the British, and they scored impressive victories in the areas adjacent to the Boer territories. In the Cape Colony, Mafikeng was captured and Kimberley besieged; in Natal, Ladysmith was placed under siege. Reinforcements under the command of Sir Redvers Buller were sent from Britain. At first the British suffered a number of reverses, but they lifted the siege of Mafeking
in 1900 after General Baden-Powell had resisted the Boers for 218 days. The Boers then turned to guerrilla warfare.Between September 1900 and May 1902, to break down Boer resistance, Lord Kitchener destroyed crops and herded Boer civilians into concentration camps. This barbaric policy triggered indignant protests both in Britain and in world opinion. The Orange Free State and Transvaal were eventually annexed by the British, but in the Union of South Africa, set up as a British dominion in 1910; the Boers were given equal rights with South Africans of British origin. The black Africans, who made up 70 per cent of the South African population, were given few rights of any kind.
When embarking on the South African campaign the British had presumed that the Boers were no match for the professional army that had recently conquered Sudan. Unfortunately the British military did not appreciate that the Boers had recently acquired modern artillery pieces of French and German manufacture, often manned by German gunners. The superior fire rate and range of the Boer weapons outclassed the British 12 pdr and 15 pdr Breech Loading Field Guns dispatched to South Africa. Alternative guns that were already in service e.g. naval guns, were pressed in to use but Britain was forced to hurriedly acquire 18 batteries (108 guns) of the most recent recoilless 15 pdr Quick Fire guns direct from the Erhardt factory in Dusseldorf. These were quickly shipped to South Africa where they redressed the balance of power. Tom was amongst the beleaguered British gunners serving with the Natal Field Force which was charged with clearing the Boer forces from that colony, who welcomed their new weapons.
Tom served in six recognised actions in South Africa, namely Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, the Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal and Belfast.
Cape Colony - Tom served in Cape Colony at some time between 11 October 1899 and 31 May 1902. In all probability he was there at the beginning of this period.
Relief of Ladysmith
- Tom took part in the Relief of Ladysmith on 28 February 1900 or related battles e.g. Colenso on 15 December 1899 and Spion Kop on 24 January 1900.At Colenso General Sir Redvers Buller
attempted to force a crossing of the Tugela River. Colonel Charles Long led the British artillery. Although under orders not to close with the enemy, Long chose to rush to within 700 yards of the foe. As soon as the Boers noticed Long’s recklessness, a thousand Mauser rifles concentrated fire on the twelve field guns and troops of 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery. With no infantry to protect them, the gunners suffered a heavy toll. When a third of them had been killed or wounded, the decision was made to move the survivors into a nearby hollow for shelter, abandoning their guns. Captain Walter Norris Congreve (The Rifle Brigade), Corporal George Edward Nurse (Royal Field Artillery), (Royal Field Artillery) and Lieutenant The Hon. Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts (King's Royal Rifle Corps), the son of Field Marshal Earl Roberts (the British Commander-in-Chief), were all awarded the Victoria Cross for the efforts in helping to retrieve two of the guns. Alas the rest of the guns were captured and the battle lost.The British suffered another defeat at
They had advanced to the top of the hill and cleared it, only to be pinned by the deadly accurate rifle fire of the heavily entrenched Boer irregulars. The Boers outgunned six batteries of the Royal Field Artillery.On 5 February, Buller was again defeated by the Boers at Vaalkrans in a third attempt to relieve Ladysmith suffering 333 casualties and retreating for a third time across the Tugela river.
Instead of General Sir Redvers Buller, he was by now referred to by many of his men as Sir Reverse Buller. Although the British had crossed the river and taken the position from the Boer forces, they determined that their forces were insufficient to breach the Boer lines and retreated.Tugela Heights -
Tom served as part of the Natal Field Force during the battle of Tugela Heights from 14 to 27 February 1900. The fighting commenced on the 23 February and was halted two days later, when an armistice was called to remove the dead and dying from the battlefield. During this respite, the Boers emerged from their sangars, and the combatants' swapped tobacco and drank whisky together. At the end of the armistice, however, the British gunner took range on the well-camouflaged positions to which the Boers returned. By the morning of the 26 February, Gen. Buller had positioned 76 guns across the Thukela on the south bank, and the following day, the hopelessly outnumbered Boers were subjected to a determined onslaught by virtually every brigade available to the British. It was during the course of the day that news reached both Boer and British of the surrender of Gen. Piet Cronje at Paardeberg on this, the same day that the Boers had achieved their victory at Majuba in 1881. The sheer weight of numbers, supported by the most intensive artillery bombardment in the war to date, resulted in the British overrunning the Boers’ positions on Hart’s, Kitchener's and Railway Hills.On the 28 February, the British broke through at Pieters,
close to the left extremity of the Boers’ defensive line, and later that day, a composite force of mounted infantry commanded by Maj. Gough rode into Ladysmith, followed by Lord Dundonald a few minutes later. The British casualties during the battle of the Tugela Heights had been heavy; they lost some 2259 killed, wounded and missing, compared with approximately 232 Boers according to official sources. The total strengths also vary, with most sources giving those of the British as some 28000 (with 85 guns) to the 3000-5000 Boers with some 11 guns. This engagement was, until the Falklands War, the greatest ever land battle fought in the Southern hemisphere. Boer fortifications and military cemeteries remain on several of the hills. The 118-day siege of Ladysmith was finally at an end.Orange Free State - Tom was present within Orange Free State (renamed to Orange Free Colony by the British on 28 May 1900) and at some time between 28 February 1900 and 21 May 1902 but did not take part in any of the recognised battles in the area. After the relief of Ladysmith the British advanced from the southwest into the Orange Free State, capturing its capital, Bloemfontein on 13 March 1900. Lord Roberts, the British commander-in-chief, decided to stop in Bloemfontein
for a few weeks, giving his troops time to recover and allowing for the railway connection with the Cape to be repaired.Transvaal - Tom served in the Transvaal at some time between 24 May 1900 and 31 May 1902, but again did not take part in any of the recognised battles in that area. Johannesburg was captured on 31 May and Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal, on 5 June. Upon these defeats, President Kruger fled to Europe. The Boer republic was renamed Crown Colony of Transvaal.
Obviously enjoying his military vocation, on 20 August 1900 Tom signed up to an extension of his military service to twelve years.
Belfast - On 26 or 27 August 1900 Tom was east of a north-south line drawn through Wonderfonein, and west of a north-south line through Dalmanutha Station,
and north of an east-west line drawn through Carolina.The focus of the war then moved to the Kimberley area and ended in 1902 after a protracted guerilla campaign by the Boers and the use of a scorched earth policy by the British. What was confidently expected to be a quick three month exercise to teach the farmers a lesson ended up with over half a million men in combat, fifty thousand men of both sides and almost half a million horses dead.
Having survived the war and acquitted himself well, on 1 September 1902 and whilst still in South Africa, Tom was awarded a gratuity of £8-11-6 and good conduct pay of 2d/day on top of his basic pay.
Tom arrived home in October 1902 having spent nearly three years in South Africa. He was based back at Woolwich depot, marrying Ada Maria Tiller in St Peter's Catholic church, Woolwich, on 14 October 1903, twelve months after his return to England.
Tom was still active in the regiment, being promoted to battery 2nd major sergeant on 27 April 1904. In May of the following year he elected to serve a full twenty-one year, military service term.
Tom Bull and Ada Maria c1904
Ada and Tom’s first child, David Frank, was born in Hospital in Newbridge (possibly near Dublin) on 30 January 1906. Unfortunately the infant died three weeks later. The couple stayed in Newbridge for a least another twelve months, but on 16 February 1907 Tom was posted to India.
India 1907-1914
In 1900, there were less than 150,000 British people in India - a few of them settlers and traders, but mostly soldiers and civil servants. The British formed a privileged society living in Delhi, Lahore,
Simla and Bombay. Racist attitudes were commonplace. On the one hand, there were the white "sahibs", who drank whisky, dined in dinner jackets, and played golf, polo, tennis and cricket. On the other, there were the natives who, even if educated and cultured, were kept in subordinate positions. Only the cleverest members of the Indian urban elite and the sons of maharajas went to study in Britain, where they learned the benefits of British civilisation - suits and wing-collar shirts, bridge, and legal studies. This is the world that Tom entered in February 1907.India was a relatively benign and long term posting, so much so that Ada was allowed to accompany Tom. She was pregnant at the time with Lionel Henry Lawton, who was born in Ahmednagar on 18 July. Ahmednagar
is situated in Maharashtra State, near to Bombay on the western side of India. The British Army occupied a large ancient fort in the city, which is still a large army base today.Tom continued his academic studies whilst in India, achieving his 1st class Certificate of Education in September 1908. A career reward followed in March of the following year, when he was promoted to battery quarter master sergeant and immediately allowed to draw associated clothing allowance.
Tom’s second son, Frederick Basil Thomas, was born in Numuch on 24 October 1909.
During December 1911 Tom attended King George V’s Durbar in Delhi. This impressive event, which included a major military display, saw the proclamation of George V as emperor of India and was the culmination of British imperial confidence. At the Durbar it was formally announced that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
In July 1913 Tom was promoted to warrant officer and moved from the 58th Brigade to the 18th Brigade, India Army Lahore Division, based in Fergepore, on his appointment as regimental sergeant major.
With the clouds of war gathering over Europe, the 18th Brigade were posted back to Britain in March 1914.
The First World War
On returning to England Tom was posted to the 35th Brigade in preparation for the anticipated conflict. The Brigade was the basic tactical unit of the field artillery of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1918. It was composed of a Brigade Headquarters and a number of batteries of guns or howitzers. At full establishment, a Brigade of 18-lbr field guns consisted of 795 men, of whom 23 were officers. For a 4.5-inch Howitzer Brigade, this was 755 and 22.
The 35th Brigade was attached to the 7th Division, which was formed during September and very early October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. They were initially moved to Belgium, landing at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, to assist in the defence of Antwerp. By the time they arrived, however the city was already falling, and the 7th were instead ordered to hold certain important bridges and other places that would help the westward evacuation of the Belgian Army. Once the Belgians were through, the Division was moved westwards, where they entrenched in front of Ypres, the first British troops to occupy that fateful place.
The Division proceeded to fight the advancing German army to a standstill at the First Battle of Ypres, from 19 October to 22 November 1914. Tom was lucky to survive as all units suffered grievous losses, and it was not until the following January/February that it was once more in a complete enough condition to be considered at full fighting strength. After First Ypres, it was often known as the Immortal Seventh.
The Menin gate in the town of Ypres was built to the memory of the allied troops who were killed there
On 17 February 1915 Tom was mentioned in dispaches and awarded the Military Cross the following day. Extensive research has failed to find any mention of a particular action that resulted in the award of the Military Cross, so it appears that it was awarded for meritorius service on Toms' part. Tom’s twenty-one years service was coming to an end in 1915, but in August he volunteered to stay in the service for an additional four years. As a result he was posted to 7 Depot Company, probably taking him away from the front line. In September 1916 he was awarded a £25 bounty.
Evidence of how highly regarded Tom was a soldier exists in family papers. These include field telegrams from Tom's colonel to the divisional/corps commander asking for permission to give him a "Field promotion" to 2nd Lieutenant on the quartermaster staff. Permission was denied with his age (mid-forties) being cited as the reason. Further telegrams were sent back to commanders office citing an officer a year older who had been promoted the previous year, but to no avail.
Tom was awarded a Meritorious Service medal in January 1918. He returned home twelve months later, having already given three months notice of discharge. On return to England he was immediately posted to the 4th Reserve Brigade. He was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at the same time.
Tom finally left the army on 14 March 1919, having completed 25 years, 10 days service. During that time he had become one of the most highly decorated soldiers of his day.
A contemporary photo shows him in his '02 battle dress with stiff rimmed cap and wearing leather riding gaiters and spurs over his boots. He sports a magnificent waxed moustache and is smoking a pipe. Family stories tell how Tom had his horse shot from under him and the hilt of his sword shot off.
Queen's Sudan Medal
For his services in Sudan, Tom was awarded the Queen's Sudan Medal and the Khedives Sudan Medal with Khartoum clasp.
Khedives Sudan Medal
As for earlier Egyptian and Sudanese campaigns, the ruler of Egypt (the Khedive) awarded a separate medal on the many expeditions into the Sudan between 1896 and 1899.
Queens South Africa Medal
There were 177,000 QSAs issued. All the QSAs were issued named, with the recipient's details shown on the medal's rim. The majority had the recipient's details in impressed capitals, although some have the details engraved.
A total of 26 clasps were awarded with this medal, but a maximum of 9 were awarded to any one army soldier. Of the 26 clasps, 5 clasps were termed "State" clasps. These State clasps were for areas that contained so many incidents or battles, that it was not deemed appropriate to issue a "Battle" clasp for each individual action. The "Battle" clasps were issued for named actions, although these actions often consisted of several, separate, sometimes major but related actions. Tom received six clasps; Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal and Belfast.
Kings South Africa Medal
Following the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901, her eldest son King Edward VII became her successor. The KSA was issued to personnel who were serving in South Africa on or after 1 January 1901 and who would have completed at least 18 months' service prior to 1 June 1902.
The two clasps available with the KSA are South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.
The KSA was always issued together with the QSA, and was always issued with either one or both clasps. All the KSAs were issued named, with the recipient's details shown on the medal's rim.
Kings Durbar Medal
This medal marked the Delhi Durbar (official reception) held in the King Emperor’s honour in December 1911. 10,000 of the 30,000 silver versions of this medal were awarded to officers and other ranks of the British and Indian Armies, for exemplary service, without their necessarily being present at the Durbar itself.
Mentioned in Despatches was the lowest form of recognition that was announced in the London Gazette. Originally there was no award as such, the literal mention of the individual in the Commander-in-Chief's despatch back to the War Office in London being deemed sufficient. The mention was denoted by the wearing of a bronze oakleaf emblem on the ribbon of the Victory Medal.
Military Cross
First instituted on 28th December 1914 as an award for gallantry or meritorious service, for officers with the rank of Captain and below, and for Warrant Officers (NCO's with warrant - at the time, this was only a Regimental Sergeant-Major). There were 37,000 Military Crosses awarded in World War I.
1914 Star
The star was awarded to all officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces, serving in France or Belgium on the establishment of the British Expeditionary Forces between 5 August 1914 and midnight of 22/23 November 1914. It is often called the ‘Mons Star’. The majority of the recipients of the star were officers and men of the prewar British Army, the "old Contemptibles" who landed in France soon after the outbreak of the First World War and who took part in the retreat from Mons, hence the popular nickname of Mons Star.
A total of 378,000 1914 Stars were awarded.
British War Medal
This medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War and record the service given. A total of approximately 6,500,000 silver medals were issued.
Victory Medal
The medal was awarded to all ranks of the fighting forces who actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 (inclusive). This medal was never issued alone. It was issued to those that already had the 1914 or 1914 - 15 Stars and most of those who had the British War Medal. It is often known as the Allied War Medal because the same basic design and double rainbow ribbon were adopted by thirteen other Allied nations
Approximately 5,725,000 British Victory medals were issued.
Meritorious Service medal
Established by Queen Victoria 1845 to recognise meritorious service by sergeants and other senior NCOs, the Meritorious Service Medal was known for many years as "The Sergeant's Medal". It was originally awarded with an annuity, though such practice ceased around 1854. After 1854 the award was available to officers and non-officers for "exceptional, outstanding service, not in a time of war". During the period 1916-19 Army NCOs could be awarded this medal immediately if they had performed especially meritorious service in difficult circumstances. In these cases the recipient's service number is shown together with his other details, however for the meritorious-type of award the service number is not shown with the recipient's other details.
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
The Long Service and Good Conduct medal was first authorised in 1830 and is still on current issue. In Tom's day the recipient must have served at least 18 years (14 years today) in the ranks with a high standard of conduct. The vast majority of these medals are issued named to the recipient, with the name on the rim around the medal.
After the war Tom was one day walking in Brighton with his sister, when a Brigadier walked past him; the officer turned round and called after Tom, 'Soldier, you are wearing an improper group!' (Presumably Tom was wearing his medal ribbons). When Tom turned and approached the officer, the latter took a closer look and after exchanging a few words said 'Ah, I see.' - perhaps he had noticed the Military Cross which was only very rarely awarded to 'common soldiers'. Tom said very little about his army experiences and only used to talk of them with other old soldiers.
A representation of Tom's medal group
Civilian Life
After a long and distinguished military career Tom finally left the army on 14th March 1919. On leaving the army he became a Metropolitan Water board inspector. Tom and Ada possibly lived with his wife parents at 28 Burrage Road, Woolwich. In the late 1920's Tom purchased a public house, "The Bricklayers Arms", at 10 Thomas street no more than three minutes walk from the main gate of Woolwich Arsenal.
Tom had two sons, Lionel and Frederick. The former met May Ethal Berry when she went to London from her home town of Haslemere at the start of the war. Lionel arranged lodgings for her at his father's public house. Tom remained close to his brother-in-law’s Hancocks family, entertaining them whenever they attended motor shows or other events in London .Whilst serving in India, Tom learned to speak one of the native languages such that in later years he would impress family members by placing orders in Veeraswamy's Indian restaurant in the native tongue of the waiters. Veeraswamy's, which opened on Regent Street in 1927, was the first fashionable Indian restaurant in the UK.
Thomas Henry Bull died of a heart attack at "The Bricklayers Arms" on 14 December 1949. His widow lived on at the same address until her death in Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, on 8 August 1958. By that time her son Frederick Thomas Basil was the licensee.
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Acknowledgement: I am pleased to acknowledge the help of Thomas Bull, grandson of Thomas Henry Bull, in supplying information included in this essay.
This page last updated 8 September 2007
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