Early 20th Local Newspapers

[richardjproud]

Hi all

Wondering if anyone can help . . .

My grandfather, Francis Proud and his family lived in Crystal Palace Road (#140) from the early 1900's until after the 1st WW. During the war he was in the army and awarded the DCM in January 1918 (for an action at Bourlon Wood in December 1917). Although his award was announced in the London Gazzette in March 1918, I am wondering if there would have been a piece about him in a local paper? So can anyone let me know what local papers there were in East Dulwich around the time of the 1st WW?

Many thanks in advance

Richard

[Huguenot]

Computedshorty will be able to tell you :)

[computedshorty]

Richard.

This will give you the Roll of Honour

of the regiment he served London Irish Rifles.

Click on the link, select letter R.

http://www.londonirishrifles.com/history-2/roll-of-honour-1st-world-war-a-z

Extract of action:

In September 1916, 1 LIR saw further action at High Wood during the Somme battles. 5 officers and 68 other ranks were killed with a further 150 wounded - partly due to the massive failure in the early use of tanks. The next month saw them move to the Yvpres region before entering the line there in November 1916, where 12 men were killed. In February 1917, Lt-Col Mahon, who had been at that time commanding the battalion, succumbed to illness and was replaced by Major (soon to be Lt-Col) DB Parry.

During the remainder of the early part of 1917, 1 LIR remained in the line, taking part in several actions in the Ypres sector. In August 1917, Lt-Col Parry was admitted to hospital and Major Murphy took over command of the battalion. They then took part in defensive operations at Bourlon Wood, near to Cambrai in November 1917, suffering gas attacks, which caused many, many casualties.

[computedshorty]

This book is for sale ?5.82 From Amazon

[GSJ57]

The South London Press newspaper has been around since the the late 1800's, try contacting them and see if they still have archived copies.

[iceicebaby]

National newspaper archives. Part of the British library. All local papers from across the country stored and available to view/copy.

[richardjproud]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions - I guess a trip up to London to the library is in order!

My grandfather was in the 24th Battalion (the Queens), but I have that book on Bourlon Wood that was recommended - it's a great (if that's the word) read for sure.

cheers

Richard

[miket53]

Have you tried http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/. You might find something on there.

[richardjproud]

Thanks Mike - will give it a go

Richard

[iceicebaby]

The library is in Collingdale and I seem to remember bags are not allowed to be taken in. Have fun!