Hello,
I'm the son of Tom Cornford who served in the Great War, first in 2/KOYLI and then, probably after his brother, also in 2/KOYLI, was killed on the last day of the Somme, 18 November 1916, was transferred to 1/10 Manchesters.
Tom was certainly in 1/10 Manchesters by Easter 1917. He was awarded the MM on 8 November 1918 - cutting it a bit fine!
Apart from photos and medals, I have an ash tray with a modelled surface showing a motor car of the period and the words Manchester and Souvener (sic) de Guerre 1914 1919. It seems to be made of aluminium. It occurs to me that the main source of aluminium near the front by 1918/19 was crashed zeppelins.
Does anyone else have one of these ashtrays? Does anyone know of their history?
Tomsboy
16 February 2009