Did You Know These of The Ninth? B&C 97 Dec 01

THE TUNMORE FAMILY
Chris Basey wrote: ‘Researching 2 young brothers killed in WW1 I came across a relative of theirs who served with distinction for 25 years in The Norfolk Regt - Sjt (later CSM) David Jesse Tunmore. He enlisted in 1909 and saw service in Europe during WW1 and featured regularly in The Britannia as he was successful in every sport that was available in the Regt. He was well known as one of the first soldiers sheltered by Nurse Edith Cavell. After a very trying experience he escaped from Mons to Holland and succeeded in reaching England in a fishing smack. On arrival in Harwich he was arrested and for several days held in confinement until he could be identified. (See B&C 88 Jun 97 and The Britannia No 29 Feb 1947 p23. Ed.) After some time in hospital he returned to France and served there for the remainder of the War. In Oct 1918 HM Queen Alexandra unveiled a memorial to Edith Cavell in Tombland, Norwich, opposite the Edith Cavell Nursing Home. The memorial is in the form of a bronze bust, mounted on a stone column. On 19 May 1919, after a memorial service in Westminster Abbey, the body of Edith Cavell was re-interred in Life’s Green in the precincts of Norwich Cathedral. David Jesse Tunmore was a Bearer at that ceremony for Edith Cavell. (The place of burial is on the outside of The Regimental Chapel, otherwise known as St Saviour’s Chapel - a fittingly named resting place for a brave lady. Ed.) On checking Medal Rolls for his details I discovered another CSM Tunmore. This was George Jesse Tunmore, father of David Jesse Tunmore! He served for 27 years in the Regt before discharge in 1904. At the outbreak of WW1 he was recalled and rejoined and served as RSM until 1918. He, too, was a sportsman, being Runner-Up in the Army Heavyweight Boxing Championship at the age of 44. His obituary mentions he had 4 sons who all served in the Regt. The other 3 have yet to be traced.
Should any readers have any knowledge of the Tunmore family I would very much like to hear from them.'
Please write via the Norfolk Section Editor.
(See B&C 103 Dec 04, B&C 100 Jun 03, B&C 88 Jun 97 and The Britannia No 29 Feb 1947.)

ROY SMITH
B&C 87 Dec 96 reported on the Sep 96 Reunion Dinner where a tribute was paid to Roy Smith, former WO1 1st Bn and CSM of A Coy, 6 R ANGLIAN. "a strong character and a fine soldier" said KC Jones in his obituary in that issue. Roy concluded his Army career as CSM A (Royal Norfolk) Coy in Norwich when the Norfolk Editor was OC in the early 1980s and his experience, especially with shooting, was invaluable. Alan Cole of Lincolnshire served in D Coy with Roy in 1962 at the Infantry Junior Leader's Battalion at Oswestry, Shropshire and sent a photograph of the period.
Back: Alan Cole, Tich Fowler and Roy Smith
Front: David Lynn and Mervin Bramwell

Editorial Rule
To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened.
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.