WWI Named 176th Aero Squadron Grouping – SOLD

Description

Ralph R. Thomas of Wollaston, Mass., enlisted at Framingham, Massachusetts on March 19, 1918 and assigned to the 43rd Aero Squadron(training),  then transferred to the 176th Aero until his discharge March 21, 1919.  Prior to the war, and after, Thomas was a professional caddy, golf grounds keeper, and professional golfer.

The 43rd Aero Squadron:

AEF: October 25, 1918 – April 17, 1919
Instructional Squadron
Demobilized: April 17, 1919

The 176th Aero Squadron:

AEF: March 4, 1918 – March 1919 
Trained as Service support squadron in England, service in France
Demobilized: March 1919

 

Although his tunic has no direct identification, the portrait photos clearly show this is positively Thomas’s tunic.  One loose Dog Tag, Air service roundels came loose as well as squadron insignia, disks, buttons, overseas stripes, etc.

The size 16 OD wool pull-over shirt is in fabulous shape, and with all the contractors supplying these during the war, you seldom see a Jeffersonville Depot marked shirt.

Gas mask is complete, and all fine condition, with inside lid ID’d to Thomas.  The 1917 helmet was originally intended to hold a chain mail splatter guard devise I assume, and the chinstrap, label, and underside of helmet on metal are signed; this too in excellent condition.

There is some Id’d mess gear, a souvenir German canteen heavily decorated, garters, and more.

Paper items include, Discharge, personal papers such as birth and death records, of the military paper, booklets, pamphlets, manuscript list of with buddies and other peoples names (nurses, etc),

There is a nice selection of photographs including real photo post cards, snap shots, larger portrait type images, some with annotation.  There are a few photos relating to golfing before the war.

On of the most interesting parts of the group is a broadside, letters, photo, and coins, relating to a Golf Match in August of 1918, while Thomas’s unit was still training in England.  The golf match took place on August 24, 1918, and Thomas was one of the golfers playing in the match to raise money for Lincolnshire Prisoners of War.  Another participant’s name, P. McLeod, of Lincoln is represented; with his  real photo post card, along with two letters and covers written to Thomas, some of the content talks of golf.  The two coppers, dated 1912 and 1913 are worn, and crudely stamped on the reverse, “KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BALL” ( the small one reads only EYE ON THE BALL).  These may have been intended for use as golf green ball markers.  A few English post cards complete this golfing lot.  I have not seen a military-golf related WWI lot like this before, and I believe quite scarce.

Overall a fine group with fine conditioned items.  A great look at one man’s World War I career.

USPS  Priority  $35.00