8277: Arthur Reffell - Trench Art

online resource

posted on 2024-01-17, 13:35 authored by Lest We Forget Project Team

Arthur Edward Reffell was working on the railway before WW1 and served in the Somme in The Royal Engineers, he joined as a box boy, which was exactly the same job he had in UK working in the signal boxes on the railways.

He returned from WW1 physically unscarred but mentally traumatised. Arthur never claimed his medals, and never spoke about his experiences.

In the 1930's he tried to apply for his medals but by then was too late. He was demobbed at the Railway Centre at Longmoore, Hampshire.

His service records were destroyed in the fires WW2.

History

Name of contributor(s)

John Reffell

Subject of the story/individual the object(s) relate to

Arthur Edward Reffell

Date(s) the event(s) in the story took place

No specific dates

Location(s) where the event(s) in the story took place

France and Belgium

Object(s)

2 Spent Shell Cases, with detailed and interesting engravings on them, including WW1 tank, aeroplane and naval ships. Sadly the shell cases have been well polished so it is hard to see the engravings. Metal Matchbox case with Mons and inscription which includes the recipients name, Arthur Edward Reffell, dated 1919. This was known as Trench Art and was made by German Prisoners of war.

Community Collection Day

South West Roadshow, Plymouth (06/03/19)

8277: Arthur Reffell - Trench Art

History

Name of contributor(s)

Subject of the story/individual the object(s) relate to

Date(s) the event(s) in the story took place

Location(s) where the event(s) in the story took place

Object(s)

Community Collection Day

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