A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division

Three: Motor Bus Driver A. E. Gilmore, Motor Transport Company, Royal Naval Division - one of 140 drivers and mechanics of the London General Omnibus Company who volunteered to accompany the 100 ‘B’ Type London Transport buses that the Admiralty had commandeered to take the men and equipment of the recently formed RND from the ports of Dunkirk and Ostend to Antwerp in September 1914

1914 Star, with clasp (111.S. Driver. A. E. Gilmore. M.T.R.N. Div.); British War and Victory Medals (R.M.A.111-S- T. Dr. A. E. Gilmore.) generally good very fine, scarce (3) £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division.

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Collection

Approximately 56 1914 Stars and Clasps issued to the Motor Transport Company, Royal Naval Division.

Albert Gilmore was born in Kilburn, London in March 1890. He attested for ‘P’ Company, Royal Marine Artillery in September 1914, and was one of 140 drivers and mechanics of the London General Omnibus Company who volunteered to accompany the 100 ‘B’ Type London Transport buses that the Admiralty had commandeered to take the men and equipment of the recently formed RND from the ports of Dunkirk and Ostend to Antwerp.

They drove their vehicles down to Dover or Southampton, stopping en route at Chatham or Eastney, where they were given a suit of uniform and a few articles of kit and then on to Dunkirk.

Thus it was that the fleet of buses from the London General Omnibus Company began their wartime service and earned their unique place in the annals of war. The buses, which were decorated with garish advertisements just as they had left the London streets, and their drivers, wearing a mixture of civilian and military uniform, made a remarkable impression on the people of Flanders which was never forgotten. Similarly, their role in transporting troops was crucial in the early stages of the war, as was the part they played in the supplying of the Naval and Marine Brigades in Antwerp, along with the evacuation of the wounded.

After the R.N.D. had returned to England, the unit was lent to the Army and proceeded initially to St Omer. From there it rendered particularly valuable service during the first battle of Ypres and, from then on, it was continuously employed in every aspect of troop transportation. In August 1915, it was eventually decided that the Army would take over the unit and incorporate it into the A.S.C. The Non Commissioned Officers and men of the RMA Motor Transport Company were given the option of discharge or transfer to the A.S.C. at the lower rate of pay; not surprisingly very few transferred. Gilmore returned to London and was discharged from the R.M.A., 10 September 1915.

Sold with copied research.