# Nick Metcalfe > Author & Researcher > Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.5, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts - [Digboi War Cemetery](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/digboi-war-cemetery/): This is the third short post about Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries visited during a recent visit to India with ‘The Forgotten War Tour’ led by Dr. Robert Lyman MBE and organised by Bertie Alexander of Sampan Travel. (See the posts about Kolkata and Kohima). It includes details about the two Royal Signals soldiers buried - [Operation Varsity, The Rhine Crossing—
Royal Signals & United States 17th Airborne Division](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/operation-varsity-the-rhine-crossing-royal-signals-united-states-17thairborne-division/): An account of the role played by 1st Airborne Corps Signals in support of United States 17th Airborne Division during Operation Varsity, the Rhine Crossing. - [HMS Bulolo—No. 1 Ship Signal Section, 1942-1945 (Part 2)](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/hms-bulolo-no-1-ship-signal-section-1942-1945-part-2/): No. 1 Ship Signal Section formed aboard HMS Bulolo at Chatham on 16 June 1942. It took a leading role part in the landings in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. - [Lieutenant Luigi Parisotti, 4/39th Garhwal Rifles](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/lieutenant-luigi-parisotti-4-39th-garhwal-rifles/): An account of the death of Lieutenant Luigi Parisotti, 4/39th Garhwal Rifles on 2 January 1920 during operations with the Derajat Column in Waziristan. - [Manzai Fort Cemetery, Pakistan](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/manzai-fort-cemetery-pakistan/): An account of the British Army burials in Manzai Fort Cemetery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, formerly the the North-West Frontier Province. - [HMS Bulolo—No. 1 Ship Signal Section, 1942-1945 (Part 1)](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/hms-bulolo-no-1-ship-signal-section-1942-1945/): No. 1 Ship Signal Section formed aboard HMS Bulolo at Chatham on 16 June 1942. It took a leading role part in the landings in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. - [My Family at War – Part 3: Thomas Bunting](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-3-thomas-bunting/): Killed in action in the period 1-3 July 1916 at Thiepval. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. - [Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/honours-decorations-and-medals-to-the-royal-corps-of-signals-2/): Update to Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals. It includes the awards announced at the end of 2024 and also some new information. - [Commemorating Royal Signals War Dead – New Page, ‘P’](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead-new-page-p/): The Royal Signals casualties whose surnames begin with ‘P’ have now been included on the War Dead page on this website (completed letters are hyperlinked; the documents open as pdfs). They amount to 309 all ranks who died on operations in the inter-war years, in the Second World War and in the campaigns of the - [Commemorating Royal Signals War Dead – New Page, ‘D’](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead-new-page-d/): 255 all ranks of Royal Signals who died on operations in the inter-war years, in the Second World War and in the campaigns of the post-Second World War period. - [Commemorating Royal Signals War Dead – New Page, ‘M’](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead-new-page-m/): The Royal Signals casualties whose surnames begin with ‘M’ have now been included on the War Dead page on this website (completed letters are hyperlinked; the documents open as pdfs). Of the first letter for surnames in England, ‘M’ accounts for about 7% but this rises to over 20% in Scotland. Notwithstanding the large number - [The Dedication of the Ulster Battlefield Memorial Tower, 19 November 1921](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-dedication-of-the-ulster-battlefield-memorial-tower-19-november-1921/): The Dedication of the Ulster Battlefield Memorial Tower, 19 November 1921 - [The Mechanised Transport Corps
Part 1: The Early Years](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-mechanised-transport-corps-part-1-the-early-years/): The Mechanised Transport Corps provided drivers for volunteer ambulance organisations, government departments and Allied forcesduring the Second World War. - [My Family at War – Part 7: Miriam Neill](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-7-miriam-neill/): 2097365 Leading Aircraftwoman Marie Tarrant Neill Miriam, as she was known all her life, was the third of the five daughters of my great-grandfather William Neill; she had an older brother who died in infancy whom she never met, and the family later adopted a son.[1] Marie Tarrant Neill was born on 16 August 1910 - [My Family at War – Part 2: Hammie Neill](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-2-hammie-neill/): Hammie Neil served with The Royal Irish Rifles in the Militia, the Special Reserve and the Regular Army for a little over 30 years. - [My Family at War - Part 6: Moses Neill](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-6-moses-neill/): 2739 Private Moses Neill Moses Neill—known as ‘Mosey’—was the older brother of my great-grandfather William Neill. He served with The Royal Irish Rifles from 1890 for 12 years, including during the South African War, and a further two years with the Royal Garrison Regiment. He was born on 28 April 1873 at at Tullyherron, a - [The Somme - Thomas Bunting, killed in action on 1 July 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-somme-thomas-bunting-killed-in-action-on-1-july-1916/): Like many families from Ireland we had relatives who took part in the attack on 1 July 1916. Luckily, my great-grandfather Sergeant William Neill, the Transport Sergeant of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, did not 'go over the top' that morning and survived the attack. Less fortunate was his nephew—my first cousin, twice removed—Lance Corporal - [The Hong Kong Signal Company and the SS Lisbon Maru](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-hong-kong-signal-company-and-the-ss-lisbon-maru/): An account of the sinking of the SS Lisbon Maru on 2 October 1942. In memory of those from the Hong Kong Signal Company who died. - [My Family at War - Part 1: William Neill](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-1-william-neill/): 14577 Sergeant William Neill DCM, the inspiration behind Blacker’s Boys, the history of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers. - [My Family at War – Part 4: Robert Thompson](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-4-robert-thompson/): My great-uncle Robbie enlisted, considerably underage, on 1 December 1915, a little less than a month short of his 17th birthday. - [21 March 1918 – Racecourse Redoubt](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/21-march-1918-racecourse-redoubt/): One hundred years ago, on 21 March 1918 on the first day of the German offensive that swept back the British Fifth Army, my great-uncle Robbie was captured in the ‘Line of Resistance’ at the very front of the defensive positions held by 15th Royal Irish Rifles in 107th Brigade in 36th (Ulster) Division. His - [‘Class ‘B’ Mentions’—Rewards for Valuable Services Published in The Times during the First World War](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/class-b-mentions-rewards-for-valuable-services-published-in-the-times-during-the-first-world-war/): During WWI, those brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War were recognised by a ‘class ‘B’ mention’ (equivalent to a Mention in Despatches). - [Bhowanipore Cemetery, Kolkata](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/bhowanipore-cemetery-kolkata/): Royal Signals casualties and other interesting graves in the Commonwealth War Graves Section of Bhowanipore Cemetery, Kolkata. - [Commemorating Royal Signals War Dead – New Page, ‘B’](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead-new-page-b/): The Royal Signals casualties whose surnames begin with ‘B’ have now been included on the War Dead commemoration page. Some examples are included here. - [The Book Cover](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-book-cover/): This article was published originally in 2021 on my website dealing with Royal Signals Honours and Awards to describe the various photos on the book's cover. - [Gallantry During The Blitz - 29 December 1940](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/gallantry-during-the-blitz-29-december-1940/): Seventy-six years ago, on the evening of 29 December 1940, a German bombing raid caused what become known as the ‘Second Great Fire of London’. Taken in the aftermath of this raid, the iconic photograph of St Paul’s Cathedral in the blitz came to symbolise London’s defiance. The attack on 29 December targeted the City of - [Gallantry During The Blitz - Robert Hamilton Tinto G.M.](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/gallantry-during-the-blitz/): A blog post about the award of the George Medal to Signalman Robert Hamilton Tinto, Royal Signals for his bravery during the blitz. - [Parachute Training 1943](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/parachute-training-1943/): This essay is part of the the Antoni Paszkiewicz project. Since writing this in March 2015, I borrowed a copy of the History of the Polish Parachute Badge by Jan Lorys. As a result, some minor amendments have been made. Toni Paszkiewicz arrived at RAF Ringway near Manchester in the late summer of 1943 for - [Non-Commissioned Officers and the Military Cross](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/non-commissioned-officers-and-the-military-cross/): Prior to 1993 the Military Cross was a gallantry award for officers and warrant officers but two Royal Signals NCOs are known to have worn its ribbon. - [The Queen’s Gallantry Medal & The King’s Gallantry Medal](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-queens-gallantry-medal-the-kings-gallantry-medal/): The final awards of the Queen's Gallantry Medal and the first awards of the King's Gallantry Medal. - [A Combined British-United States Grave at Digboi War Cemetery, Assam](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/a-combined-british-united-states-grave-at-digboi-war-cemetery-assam/): In Digboi War Cemetery, Assam lies a sergeant of the USAAF. Why he is interred in a single grave with three British soldiers is a most interesting tale. - [Kohima War Cemetery](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/kohima-war-cemetery/): Kohima War Cemetery is on the slopes below what became known as Garrison Hill during the Battle of Kohima. These are the Royal Signals casualties buried there. - [Death in Training](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemoration/): The death of four Polish soldiers from 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade in a parachuting accident on 8 May 1944 at Kelmscott in Oxfordshire. - [My Family at War – Part 5: John Palmer Bowes](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war-part-5-john-palmer-bowes/): 2nd Canadian Divisional Mechanical Transport Company, Canadian Army Service Corps, Canadian Expeditionary Force. - [Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/honours-decorations-and-medals-to-the-royal-corps-of-signals/): Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals A link to the updated Addendum to Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals. - [Commemorating Royal Signals War Dead - New Page, 'K'](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead-new-page-k/): New document added: Royal Signals war dead - surnames beginning with 'K'. - [Photo Gallery: Iraq - Historical & Religious Sites](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/photo-gallery-iraq-historical-religious-sites/): This is part of the the Antoni Paszkiewicz project. Notwithstanding the looting that took place following the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the recent destruction of ancient artifacts and religious sites by the grotesque extremists of the so-called Islamic State, Iraq has always been rich in historical antiquities. Toni collected postcards and took photographs of - [The Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-colonial-police-medal-for-gallantry/): Following the successful introduction of the Colonial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1934, an award to reward members of the Colonial Police Service for their meritorious service and gallantry was suggested, first in March 1935 and then again in November 1936, by Inspector General R G B Spicer CMG, MC of the - [The Burma Gallantry Medal](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-burma-gallantry-medal/): Following the partition of British Burma from British India in 1937, two new awards were introduced on 10 May 1940 the Order of Burma and the Burma Gallantry Medal. The Burma Gallantry Medal was to be awarded to Governor’s Commissioned Officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Burma Army, Burma Frontier Force, Burma Military - [Photo Gallery: Iraq - Baghdad](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/photo-gallery-baghdad/): This is part of the the Antoni Paszkiewicz project. The majority of Polish forces were concentrated at Khanaqin, a little over 250 miles north-east of Baghdad. From the captions on the back of his photographs, it appears that Toni visited Baghdad in November 1942 and February 1943. - [Sergeant Henry James ‘Harry’ May, 2nd Divisional Signals, Burma](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sergeant-henry-james-harry-may/): Sergeant Henry James ‘Harry’ May, mentioned in despatches for his service with 2nd Divisional Signals during the Burma Campaign in the Second World War. - [Signalman Arnold Osmond Topliff BEM](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/signalman-arnold-osmond-topliff-bem/): Arnie Topliff was one of only two men to earn a gallantry award in the aftermath of the sinking of the prisoner of war transport SS Lisbon Maru in October 1942. - [The East Coast Floods, 1953](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-east-coast-floods-1953/): As I work on my book about Royal Signals gallantry awards, the news is dominated by accounts of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Katia and the massive earthquake in Mexico. By coincidence, the section that I am writing is about the East Coast Floods of 1953. On 31 January 1953, an extremely heavy storm coupled - [Operation Plainfare – The Berlin Airlift 1948](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/operation-plainfare-the-berlin-airlift-1948/): A similar blog post originally appeared in 2020 on my website dealing with Royal Signals honours and awards. With the closure of that site I have updated it and moved it here. The events that it commemorates began 74 years ago this week. The ‘On This Day‘ series by the Royal Signals Museum also has - [‘Darkest Hour’, Calais—Capture and Escape](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/darkest-hour-calais-capture-and-escape/): This article was published originally in 2018 on my website dealing with Royal Signals Honours and Awards; it is reproduced here in anticipation of that website closing. I suspect many of the readers here will have seen Darkest Hour and Gary Oldman’s superb performance as Churchill. One aspect of the final days of the fighting in France - ['Who are they? Where are they now?'](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/who-are-they-where-are-they-now/): An article written as a contribution to the Royal Signals in-house magazine in 2018 describing a photo of NCOs in India that appeared originally in 1959. - [Major Robert Norman Dodds MBE, MC, DCM, MM](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/major-robert-norman-dodds-mbe-mc-dcm-mm/): This blog post originally appeared on my site dealing with Honours and Awards to Royal Signals. It is reposted here in anticipation of that site's closure. One hundred and two years ago, on 22 May 1920 the former Royal Navy hospital ship and troop transport SS Dongola arrived in England carrying some of the last - [The Heilsberg 39: The Dedication of the new Commonwealth War Cemetery at Lidzbark Warminski, Poland.](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-heilsberg-39-the-dedication-of-the-new-commonwealth-war-cemetery-at-lidzbark-warminski-poland/): A soldier of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers has been commemorated in a new Commonwealth War Cemetery. A full report, video and slide show can be seen here: The Heilsberg 39. Private John Ernest Partridge was born in London in 1899. He enlisted on 21 March 1917, aged 17, and was one of the large draft - [September 11...](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/september-11/): There is lots being written about what should and should not have been done after 9/11, the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC 20 years ago. It is worth, however, remembering the many thousands grievously impacted by the events of that day. My friend Susan Henson was working in the Pentagon when the - [The Royal Reserve Regiments and The Royal Garrison Regiment](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-royal-reserve-regiments-and-the-royal-garrison-regiment/): In researching the essay about my great-great-uncle Moses Neill, I came across reference to the Royal Garrison Regiment, into which he enlisted in 1902. A search for information about the Regiment revealed little and the information that was easily found has proven to be wrong or inaccurate. A number of sources conflate the Royal Garrison - [The North Irish Horse in the Great War by Phillip Tardif](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-north-irish-horse-in-the-great-war-by-phillip-tardif/): A number of years ago, when I was putting together Blacker’s Boys, I began to share information with Phillip Tardif, an Australian whose grandfather, Frank McMahon, and my great-grandfather, William Neill, served together during the First World War. No-one knows more about the actions of the North Irish Horse or the men who served in - [March 1918 – Sergeant James Hughes DCM, MM](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/march-1918-sergeant-james-hughes-dcm-mm/): In March 1918, for the third time in 21 months, the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers in 108th Brigade, 36th (Ulster) Division was all but destroyed. Blacker’s Boys devotes a whole chapter to the actions fought in the week following the German attack south of the River Somme and the subsequent action against the German second - [Flanders Field American Cemetery and an American with 36th (Ulster) Division](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/flanders-field-american-cemetery-and-an-american-with-36th-ulster-division/): Lieutenant Harold Sydney (Syd) Morgan, United States Army Medical Reserve Corps and his service with the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers. - [Certificates for Gallantry Awarded by 10th (Irish), 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) Divisions](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/certificates-for-gallantry-awarded-by-10th-irish-16th-irish-and-36th-ulster-divisions/): Certificates for Gallantry Awarded during the First World War by 10th & 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) Divisions. - [Evacuation from Sierra Leone](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/evacuation-from-sierra-leone/): In 2000, while serving with the British Army in Sierra Leone, I succumbed to malaria. During my stay in the Indian Army hospital supporting the United Nations force I developed an unusual fever and throat infection, which the doctor looking after me diagnosed as the early stages of Lassa fever. - [The Evolution of the Regular and Service Battalions of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918 – Part 6, The 9th (Service) Battalion (County Armagh)/9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion.](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-evolution-of-the-regular-and-service-battalions-of-princess-victorias-royal-irish-fusiliers-1914-1918-part-6-the-9th-service-battalion-county-armagh9th-north-irish-hors/): Here may be found the background to this work and links to similar studies of the other Battalions of the Regiment. This material is taken, from Blacker’s Boys Appendix 6; it has been summarised and is updated here based on new information received since publication. The First to Enlist The first men to enlist into the - [My Family at War](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war/): My great-grandfather William Neill was the influence behind my exploration of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers that led to Blacker’s Boys. Since writing the book I have discovered other relatives who served during the First World War, and some who served during the Boer War and the Second World War. Each has a very different - [‘The Boche had beaten us, and the slaughter terrific.’](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-boche-had-beaten-us-and-the-slaughter-terrific/): Few of the 154 officers and men of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers who were killed immediatley prior to or during the attack on 16 August 1917 lie in marked graves—three-quarters are commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, a substantially higher proportion that those killed on 1 July 1916 who are commemorated on the Thiepval - [Discovering The North-West Passage](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/6025-2/): Discovering the North-West Passage: The Four-Year Arctic Odyssey of H.M.S. Investigator and the McClure Expedition by Glenn M. Stein My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is an outstanding piece of work. Ignoring for one moment the incredible story of the crew of HMS Investigator, this 19th Century tale of exploration is superbly researched and - [The Evolution of the Regular and Service Battalions of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918 – Part 4, The 5th, 6th, 5th/6th & 11th (Service) Battalions](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-evolution-of-the-regular-and-service-battalions-of-princess-victorias-royal-irish-fusiliers-1914-1918-part-4-the-5th-6th-5th6th-11th-service-battalions/): Here may be found the background to this work and links to similar studies of the other Battalions of the Regiment. 5th & 6th (Service) Battalions For a brief history of the 5th (Service) Battalion and the amalgamated Battalion in the First World War see: Johnson, F W E (Foreword). (1919). A Short Record of the Services and Experiences of - [The Evolution of the Regular and Service Battalions of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918 – Part 2, The 1st Battalion](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-evolution-of-the-regular-and-service-battalions-of-princess-victorias-royal-irish-fusiliers-1914-1918-part-2-the-1st-battalion/): This essay describes the evolution of the 1st Battalion, Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) during the First World War. - [The George Cross](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-george-cross/): An analysis of the awards of the George Cross. - [The Sergeant Brothers](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-sergeant-brothers/): In the Saturday edition of the Lurgan Mail on 25 November 1916 there was a page dedicated to ‘Patriotic Familes’—those families from the town with more than three members serving with the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The page, the large format page rarely seen in newspapers today, had three - [Sacrifice - New Biographies Published](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-new-biographies-published/): Three new biographies have been added to the Sacrifice project website: Private Chester Covell Buck served briefly in England with 202nd (Sportsman’s) Battalion before being sent back to Canada unfit for further duty. He died in Ponoka Asylum Hospital, Alberta, on 7 December 1917 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth, Indiana. Private Lawrence - [Cather VC](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/cather-vc/): One hundred years ago today at Buckingham Palace, King George V presented the Victoria Cross to the families of five recipients who had either died in the act or been killed since. Amongst them was Margaret Cather, the widowed mother of Lieutenant Geoffrey St. George Shillington Cather VC, the Adjutant of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, - [Blacker's Letters - January 1917](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-january-1917/): Lieutenant Colonel Blacker was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the New Year Honours and when he returned from leave at the beginning of January 1917 he assumed temporary command of 108th Brigade. Nonetheless, he still found time to visit and comment about the activities of the Battalion. His letters home written in January have - [Blacker's Letters - 'Finis'](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-finis/): When the last commanding officer of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers signed off the final page of the Battalion's war diary on 9 June 1919 he did so with a Gallic flourish – ‘Finis’. That is the word that most readily comes to mind as I write this. After 444 letters recording the thoughts and - [The Herald of Free Enterprise - 30th Anniversary](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-herald-of-free-enterprise-30th-anniversary/): Today marks the 30th anniversary of the tragedy at Zeebrugge when the MV Herald of Free Enterprise, a roll-on roll-off ferry owned by Townsend Thoresen, capsized in shallow water as it left the harbour. On board was a crew of 80 and 459 passengers. In all, 193 passengers and crew perished in the incident.[1] Inevitably, as - [John Adams - Letters From The Front](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/john-adams-letters-from-the-front/): Letters From The Front tells the story of one of the men of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers—John Adams—who twice earned the Military Medal and was twice wounded. In a series of podcasts his letters are read by his family 100 years after they were written. The podcasts for January and February 1917/2017 also feature a piece - [Christmas Cards of the Great War](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/christmas-cards-of-the-great-war/): As we approach Christmas, I thought I would share a selection of the First World War Christmas cards that have been sent to me, for one reason or another, over the years. These cards are of two types—those commissioned with an appropriate theme for a unit or formation, and those produced locally for soldiers to buy. - [Names Carved in Stone by Fiona Berry](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/names-carved-in-stone-by-fiona-berry/): It is always a great pleasure to help someone out with research and then be contacted sometime later to be told that their project has come to successful fruition. A new book—Names Carved in Stone—tells the story of 69 men from The Mall Presbyterian Church in Armagh, Northern Ireland who served during the Great War. It is - [Blacker's Letters - November 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-november-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in November 1916 have now been published and they can be read on the project's website. The letters cover a wealth of subjects from equipment and clothing, to promotion and the award of medals, and, of course, the weather. In a few days Lieutenant Colonel Blacker will go home - [A Rainbow Division Lieutenant in France by John H. Taber ](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/a-rainbow-division-lieutenant-in-france/): Stephen Taber, a contact made through the Western Front Association - East Coast Branch in the United States, has written this latest guest post about the diary of his second cousin, who served with the United States 42nd Division—The Rainbow Division. The edited diary has just been published by McFarland. The 'Rainbow' Division, the 42nd, - [Remembrance Day 2016](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/remembrance-day-2016/): In memory of: Naval Airman 1st Class Kenneth Admiral Brown, Royal Navy Died, 22 April 1940 Acting Sub-Lieutenant (Air Branch) Arthur Stephen Griffith, Royal Navy Killed in action, 18 January 1941 Leading Airman Alfred Samuel Rush, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Sub-Lieutenant (Air Branch) Philip Donald Julian Sparke DSC**, Royal Navy Killed in action, 11 May - [Remembrance Day 2015 – Laurel Grove South Cemetery, Savannah](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/remembrance-day-2015-laurel-grove-south-cemetery-savannah/): I'm very pleased that a member of the Canadian contingent at Fort Gordon, Georgia, discovered the the story about Private James Stewart on the Sacrifice project. On 11 November 2015 they conducted an act of remembrance at his grave. Corporal Allan Gudlaugson organised the event and I must say thank you to Marie-Carole Gallien for telling - [‘A Stranger in a Strange Land‘](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/a-stranger-in-a-strange-land/): This quote is taken from a report by the Seamen's Institute about their cemetery plot in The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn. Buried there are nine men commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There are four other casualties of the First World War buried elsewhere in that cemetery. All of their stories are now complete and - [Memorial Day 2016](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/memorial-day-2016/): On Memorial Day weekend, I have no better image to share than this one. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone of an Englishman, living in Providence, Rhode Island who volunteered to serve with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Sapper William Bustin died in Canada during the influenza pandemic and his remains were returned to Rhode Island - [New Headstone for Company Serjeant Major George Mayer Symons](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/new-headstone-for-company-serjeant-major-george-mayer-symons/): Warrant Officer Class 2, Company Serjeant Major, George Mayer Symons, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), attached to the British Military Mission, died during the influenza epidemic at Camp Lee, Virginia on 8 October 1918. He was buried in Poplar Grove National Cemetery near Petersburg. Unfortunately, his grave marker was incorrectly inscribed. On Saturday - [Blacker’s Letters – October 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-october-1916/): Lieutenant Colonel Blacker’s letters home in October 1916 are all now published and you can read them all on the project’s website. His comments about the weather are reminiscent of those written the year before; this time, however, the Battalion must contend with the nearby River Douve, which regularly breaks its banks flooding the trenches. - [Blacker's Letters - September 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-september-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in September 1916 have now been published and you can read them all on the project’s website. The Battalion continues to settle into its new routine in increasingly wet weather. - [The Loss of a Ship](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-loss-of-a-ship/): On the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War, it is appropriate that my first guest post is by David Gregory, the author of the maritime trilogy ‘The Lion and The Eagle’. He has written a thought-provoking and heartfelt piece about the devastation wrought by the - [Sacrifice - Connecticut](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-connecticut/): The stories of the seven men commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Connecticut are finished and may be read here. Most were United States citizens but one was a British officer working as a small-arms inspector with Winchester and Remington, which were contracted to manufacture the P14 rifle. The ‘Rifle, .303 Pattern 1914’, known - [Charleville Communal Cemetery, France](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/charleville-communal-cemetery-france/): Recently, two parallel pieces of research overlapped, out of which came an idea for a short piece about a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery that no longer exists. As with all things about the First World War, the story has more facets than at first may seem to be the case. The town of Charleville - [Sacrifice - Update](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-update/): I have been remiss in updating my blog with the progress of the Sacrifice project. In addition to completing the stories of men whose graves I visited last year or earlier this year, I have received great support from volunteers who have visited graves near where they live or where they have been on holiday. - [Blacker's Letters - August 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-august-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in August 1916 have now been published and you can read them all on the project’s website. There is a familiarity to the tone of the letters; the Battalion is engaged in much the same work that it was in the Somme region prior to the attack on 1 - [Sacrifice - Rhode Island](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-rhode-island/): The biographies of the six men buried in Rhode Island are now complete; two were American, two were British, one was Canadian and the nationality of one cannot be confirmed. One case is rather unusual: the ashes of Second Lieutenant Evanda Berkeley Garnett were repatriated to the United States from England over 40 years after his - [Blacker's Letters - July 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-july-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in July 1916 have now been published and you can read them all on the project’s website. The 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers took part in the attack on 1 July and suffered grievously; the letters that follow are tragically sad. By the end of the month the Battalion is - [BBC - Voices 16](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/bbc-voices-16/): The BBC's Voices 16 tells 'the story of a tumultuous year in the history of Ireland through the eyes of the people who lived it'. I am very pleased that this super BBC project now includes excerpts from my project Blacker's Letters. - [Arlington National Cemetery - LCDR 'Jack' Doherty, USN (Ret)](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/arlington-national-cemetery-lcdr-jack-doherty-usn-ret/): On Tuesday 25 November, I had the privilege to attend the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery of my next door neighbour, LCDR 'Jack' Doherty, USN (Ret). - [Blacker's Letters - May 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-may-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in May 1916 have now been published and you can read them all on the project’s website. The 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers is just about to move out of the line with the other battalions of 108th and 109th Brigades, 36th (Ulster) Division, to train and prepare for - [Blacker's Letters - April 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-april-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker in April 1916 have now been published. The Battalion is now established in the line at Hamel engaged in the routine of trench life. This month's letters also reveal some of Blacker's thoughts on the Easter Rising. The letters from April can be found by clicking on the linked image - [Blacker's Letters - January 1916](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-january-1916/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Blacker throughout January 1916 have now been published. This was the last month before the Battalion entered the line at Hamel, north of the River Ancre, where it would remain until after the attack on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The letters from January can - [SOLDIERS – An Exhibition by Tom McKendrick](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/soldiers-an-exhibition-by-tom-mckendrick/): A new exhibition by Tom McKendrick’s, SOLDIERS, opens to the public at the Studio Pavilion, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on Monday 3 November and will run until 22 December from 11.00am to 4.00pm daily. - [Blacker's Letters - November 1915](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-november-1915/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel S W W Blacker in November 1915 have now been published; you can read them all in chronological order at the link below. The A-Z of personalities has been amended to include those who will appear in December’s letters. - [Sacrifice - Tennessee](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-tennessee/): The biographies of the three men buried in Tennessee are now complete. Private Thomas Camp served in England with 23rd Reserve Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was sent home suffering from tuberculosis and died on 2 May 1921 in the United States Public Health Service Hospital at Whipple Barracks, Arizona. He is buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Sapper Lee - [Blacker's Letters - October 1915](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/blackers-letters-october-1915/): The letters written by Lieutenant Colonel S W W Blacker in October 1915 have now been published; you can read them all in chronological order at the link below. The A-Z of personalities has been amended to include those who will appear in November's letters. - [Photo Gallery: Iraq - The Land of the Two Rivers](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/photo-gallery-the-land-of-the-two-rivers/): This is part of the the Antoni Paszkiewicz project. Through Iraq flow the two great rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris. They rise in the mountains of eastern Anatolia and course south-east through the gorges of modern Syria and northern Iraq, across the alluvial plain of central Iraq to Al-Qurnah in the south, where they join to form the Shatt - [Nurses in the Great War](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nurses-in-the-great-war/): Many will be familiar with the Great War biographical memoire of Vera Brittain—Testament of Youth—in which she recounts her experiences as a VAD in England, Malta and France. The image of the doughty VAD from a well-to-do family, doing her bit—Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey—is how most people see the nurses of the Great War. - [Sacrifice - Kentucky](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-kentucky/): The biographies of the two men buried in Kentucky are now complete. Private John Benjamin French was an African-American soldier, who served in France and in the Army of Occupation with No. 8 Company, Canadian Forestry Corps. He died of tuberculosis on 10 May 1920 in Montreal General Hospital and his remains were repatriated to Lexington, where - [Sacrifice - Louisiana](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-project-louisiana/): The biographies of the four men buried in Louisiana are now complete. Two were covered in a previous post, the final two are Private Joseph Henry Wosikowski, Royal Marine Light Infantry and Private Francis George Thomas, Labour Corps. It was satisfying to identify that Private Wosikowski's name was spelled incorrectly on the Southampton war memorial and, - [The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-u-s-world-war-i-centennial-commission/): I am very pleased to announce that our project Sacrifice has been endorsed by The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. - [Sacrifice - Latest Post - Private James Doval Stewart](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-latest-post-private-james-doval-stewart/): The latest addition to the Sacrifice project is the story of Private James Doval Stewart. The recruitment of Black Canadians for service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force caused much debate in Canada. Many Black Canadians, swept along by patriotic fervour at the beginning of the war wanted to volunteer but prejudice prevented widespread recruitment. Private James - [Sacrifice – Latest Post – Cadet Arthur William Webster Eden](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-latest-post-cadet-arthur-william-webster-eden/): The latest addition to the Sacrifice project is the story of Cadet Arthur William Webster Eden who was killed in an aircraft crash at Camp Taliaferro, Texas on 21 December 1917. His body was returned home and buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Baltimore. Read about Cadet Arthur Eden. - [Sacrifice – Latest Post – Leading Seaman Joseph Thompson Clark](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-latest-post-leading-seaman-joseph-thompson-clark/): The latest addition to the Sacrifice project is the story of Leading Seaman Joseph Thompson Clark, a gunner on the defensively armed merchant ship SS Courtown. Clark was nearby when HMS Natal blew up in Cromarty Firth in 1915, was present at the Battle of Jutland, and survived being torpedoed in the Mediterranean only to drown in - [Photo Gallery: Iraq - Date Palms](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/photo-gallery-date-palms/): This is part of the the Antoni Paszkiewicz project. The date palm has always been an important part of the agricultural bedrock of Iraq and the precursor nations and empires in this region. Cultivated for over 5,000 years, the date palm has been used for food, medicine and building materials from the time of the - [Sacrifice - Latest Post - the SS Kerry Range](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-latest-post-the-ss-kerry-range/): The latest addition to the Sacrifice project is the story of the SS Kerry Range, which was wrecked in a fire that destroyed Pier 9 at Locust Point, Baltimore on 30 October 1917. A Royal Navy sailor, Leading Seaman Eustace Alfred Bromley, two Mercantile Marine sailors, and a local civilian clerk were killed. Only Leading - [ANZAC Day - Lieutenant Norman Travers Simpkin](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/anzac-day-lieutenant-norman-travers-simpkin/): To add to the ANZAC commemorations I have written a piece for the Sacrifice project about the only soldier to serve at Gallipoli who is commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the United States. Travers Simpkin served with 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment and was wounded at Quinn's Post in August 1915. He died - ['Sacrifice' - Project Update and New Post](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-project-update-and-new-post/): The website for the new project has now been populated in outline with biographies completed for North Carolina and Virginia. Please consider following the project by subscribing to the blog. We're just about to begin to publicise it and to seek volunteers to help with the work. The latest post tells the story of - [The Evolution of the Regular and Service Battalions of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918 – Part 1](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-evolution-of-the-regular-and-service-battalions-of-princess-victorias-royal-irish-fusiliers-1914-1918-part-1/): A short history of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) in the First World War and comment on recruiting in Ireland. - [Journey to Britain](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/journey-to-britain/): The journey of Antoni Paszkiewicz from Palestine to Scotland in 1943. - ['Sacrifice' - My New Project](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/sacrifice-my-new-project/): During the First World War the American Expeditionary Force sustained over 53,000 battle deaths and over 63,000 non-combat deaths. The influenza pandemic in late-1918 and early-1919 alone claimed more than 45,000 American soldiers and sailors in Europe and in the United States. These men were not the only American soldiers to die in the war. - [The Antoni Paszkiewicz Project](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-antoni-paszkiewicz-project/): The Antoni Paszkiewicz project will examine the life and, in particular, the Second World War history of a young Polish man who was born in Vilno (now Vilnius, Lithuania) in 1921. During the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939, he was arrested and imprisoned. Having been released to join 'Ander’s Army'—the Polish Armed Forces in - [5 iconic sites added to this year’s Heritage at Risk Register | Heritage Calling](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/5-iconic-sites-added-to-this-years-heritage-at-risk-register-heritage-calling/): Geevor Tin Mine in Cornwall was the site of an underground accident on 15 January 1980. For their gallantry in the subsequent rescue attempt, Mr Stephen Ainsworth and Mr Alan Brewer were awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal. - [How Not to Self-Publish - The Totally Splendid Hotshot Author's Survival Guide](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/how-not-to-self-publish-the-totally-splendid-hotshot-authors-survival-guide/): Rosen Trevithick is a fabulous indie author who writes for adults (the 'My Granny Writes Erotica' series - very funny) and children (stuff about Trolls - also very funny). Her most recent book is about self-publishing. It is humorous and well-observed; it is a 'must read' for any aspiring or, indeed, established author thinking of - [Army Women 100](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/army-women-100/): Dedicated to the women with whom I have had the privilege to serve, particularly those who have demonstrated their courage and endurance on operations in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, and Iraq. This is my contribution to #ArmyWomen100. In January 1917, Lieutenant General Henry Lawson[1] submitted a report that recommended the recruitment of women - [The Shahur Tangi Ambush, Waziristan, 1937](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-shahur-tangi-ambush-north-west-frontier-1937/): The ambush in the Shahur Tangi in Waziristan on 9 April 1937 claimed the lives of two Royal Signals soldiers and over 70 others killed and wounded. ## Pages - [FOR EXEMPLARY BRAVERY—THE QUEEN'S GALLANTRY MEDAL](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/forexemplarybravery-thequeensgallantrymedal/): For Exemplary Bravery, the story of the Queen's Gallantry Medal by Nick Metcalfe MBE, QGM - [HONOURS, DECORATIONS, AND MEDALS TO THE ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nicks-books/royalsignalshonours/): Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals for Gallantry & Distinguished Service 1920-2020. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/): The Royal Signals' Campaigns Roll of Honour that commemorates those who died on operations before and after the Second World War. - [My Books](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nicks-books/): Descriptions of books (and how to by them) and online projects by Nick Metcalfe. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—China, 1941](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-china-1941/): Commemoration of a Royal Signals soldier in China. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Arabian Peninsula, 1957-1960](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-arabian-peninsula-1957-1960/): The Royal Signals casualty of the Jebel Akhdar War. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Waziristan, 1936-1939](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-waziristan-1936-1939/): Royal Signals personnel who died in Waziristan in the campaigns from 1936 to and 3 September 1939, the beginning of the Second World War. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Waziristan, 1921-1924](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-waziristan-1921-1924/): The Royal Signals Roll of Honour records casualties from the campaigns in Waziristan in the early 1920s at the time of the formation of the Corps. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Iraq, 1920](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-iraq-1920/): Royal Signals casualties suffered during the Iraqi Revolt, 1920 (and other casualties in Iraq in the period before and after the campaign). - [The War Dead](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-war-dead/): All of the Royal Signals operational casualties since 1920. - [About & Contact](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/about-nick-contact/): Nick Metcalfe is a former British Army officer and now a writer specialising in military and gallantry themed non-fiction. - [Honours, Decorations and Medals](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/honours-decorations-and-medals/): This page will allow access to the sundry lists of honours, decorations and medals that I have put together for various projects. Some have appeared as lists in a blog, some in footnotes and others as part of wider projects. Many have been compiled as a free to download pdf. (This page is under construction - [The Armed Forces Memorial and The Armed Forces Roll of Honour](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-armed-forces-memorial-and-the-armed-forces-roll-of-honour/): The Armed Forces Memorial. Dedicated to personnel the Armed Forces who have been killed on duty or through terrorist action since the Second World War. - [My Family at War](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-family-at-war/): My great-grandfather William Neill was the influence behind my exploration of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers that led to Blacker’s Boys. Since writing the book I have discovered other relatives who served during the First World War, and some who served during the Boer War and the Second World War. Each has a very different - [](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nicks-books/blackersboys/blackers-boys-updates/): Here you will find updates and amendments to Blacker's Boys since publication of the book in November 2012. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Palestine, 1945-1948](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-palestine-1945-1948/): Royal Signals personnel who died in Palestine between the declaration of the emergency on 27 September 1945 until the withdrawal of British troops in June 1948. - [The Commonwealth War Graves Commission](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-commonwealth-war-graves-commission/): How the Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates Royal Signals' war dead. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—North West Persia, 1920](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-north-west-persia-1920/): The Campaigns Roll of Honour—North West Persia, 1920 The Royal Signals Roll of Honour (incorrectly) records two casualties from North-West Persia in 1920. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Palestine, 1936-1939](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-palestine-1936-1939/): Royal Signals personnel who died in Palestine between 19 April 1936 and 3 September 1939, the beginning of the Second World War. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Kenya, 1952-1956](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-kenya-1952-1956/): Royal Signals casualties from the Kenya Emergency 1952-1956. - [The Campaigns Roll of Honour—Ireland, 1920-1921](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour/the-campaigns-roll-of-honour-ireland-1920-1921/): Historical context summarised from Honours, Decorations, and Medals to The Royal Corps of Signals for Gallantry & Distinguished Service 1920-2020.[1] Other than matters related to the First World War, Home Rule for Ireland was the biggest issue facing the successive British governments of the early twentieth century. The pre-war Home Rule crisis and the Easter - [The Second World War Roll of Honour](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-second-world-war-roll-of-honour/): The Royal Signals' Roll of Honour that commemorates those who died during the Second World War. - [The Antoni Paszkiewicz Project](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/the-antoni-paszkiewicz-project/): The Antoni Paszkiewicz project examines the life and, in particular, the Second World War experience, of a young Polish man. - [The Roll of Honour of Commonwealth Officers (The Book of Remembrance)](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-roll-of-honour-of-commonwealth-officers-the-book-of-remembrance/): The commemoration of the officers of Royal Signals who died during the Second World War. - [The Royal Signals War Memorials](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/the-royal-signals-war-memorials/): In addition to the wealth of individual and unit memorials to Royal Signals’ war dead in garrisons, local churches and public spaces across the world, several Corps memorials have been dedicated since the Second World War. The Royal Signals Memorial Holiday Clubs During and after the Second World War the Royal Signals War Memorial Fund - [BLACKER'S BOYS](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nicks-books/blackersboys/): 9th (Service) Battalion, Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) (County Armagh) 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion - [Get Your Book Sold – An Author’s Guide](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/get-your-book-sold-and-read-an-authors-guide/): Two essential components of a successful self-published book marketing strategy—accepting responsibility for your book and focusing on ‘discoverability’. - [Shop](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/shop/) - [My account](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/my-account/): [woocommerce_my_account] - [Research - Let Me Help You](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/research-let-me-help-you/): Nick Metcalfe How to contact me for First World War and gallantry awards related search assistance. - [Commemorating Royal Signals’ War Dead](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/commemorating-royal-signals-war-dead/): A project to commemorate by name the war dead of the Royal Corps of Signals, including cause of death and where they are buried or commemorated. - [The Evolution of the Regular and Service Battalions of Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918](https://www.nickmetcalfe.co.uk/nicks-books/blackersboys/the-evolution-of-the-regular-and-service-battalions-of-princess-victorias-royal-irish-fusiliers-1914-1918/): How the make-up of the various battalions of the regiment evolved during the First World War.