WW2 Coldstream Guards Inscribed Bible

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by christoph, Jan 24, 2012.

  1. christoph

    christoph Junior Member

    Hi, Recently came across a small black 'The Soldiers Testament and The Book of Psalms' in a charity shop. Inscribed in pencil inside is the name and number of a soldier as well as 'Coldstream Guards depo' [missing the t]. I think it's dated 1939 but has been stamped over the top with 1940 twice and once more on the opposite page. I was investigating the possibility of returning it to any surviving family if the wanted it. I wanted to ask if anyone thinks it would be possible before i mention the name and number. If so, let me know and I'll repost with the info. Any advice on how to proceed with it would be appreciated. Many thanks, Chris
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hello and welcome Chris

    If you're at all reticent about posting the number etc, check Geoff's search engine first
    Geoff's 1939-47 Search Engine
    You can enter the number by itself in the appropriate box, or failing that surname and also Coldstream Guards from the Regt/Corps drop down menu. There may or may not be details of Next of Kin, residence, in CWGC record and you could try and trace through that.

    Another avenue would be to contact Coldstream Guards RHQ and ask them to leave a letter from yourself in the man's file, should a relative get in contact with them. They would have to check the contents though, so don't put it in a sealed envelope.

    Otherwise, post all the info you have here on the forum in the hope that some relative searches and finds your post. Some members here can also work small miracles via searches on the main genealogy sites.

    Up to you, there's always a chance of finding someone, somehow.

    Really nice thought by the way, but you might also have to consider how/why it ended up in the charity shop in the first place.

    If the guardsman died during WW2 and should you wish to research his service further yourself, applying for a copy of his records, through Wellington Barracks, is also a possibility.
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Another avenue would be to contact Coldstream Guards RHQ and ask them to leave a letter from yourself in the man's file, should a relative get in contact with them. They would have to check the contents though, so don't put it in a sealed envelope.


    I didn't know they would do that - what a nice thought and a great idea.
     
  4. christoph

    christoph Junior Member

    Hi,
    Thanks for that really great reply. I had already checked the Commonwealth Graves Commission already but also gave Geoff's search engine a go as well with no results. I guess this means that this particular soldier is not recorded as being a casualty. Sending the bible with a letter to Coldstream Guards RHQ is a great idea and I think I will do that but I have decided to post the soldiers details to enable anybody to help. I also wondered why it may have ended up in a charity shop but it never amazes me what people give away although I doubt there is any intrinsic value in the bible but maybe some sentimental value.
    The details are as follows:
    Name: Beachill
    No: 2659372
    I think the initials are G J

    I hope this information helps.
    Chris
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    A quick google search of the last name seems to link quite a lot to Yorkshire.

    Four WW1 casualties with Yorkshire ish links as well.
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Chris, not sure if they'd accept the bible, was thinking more of the letter to the effect "please get in contact if you want it". An initial enquiry to RHQ should sort possibilities out anyway.

    Address in post 2 of this linked thread http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/brigade-guards/37127-researching-guardsmen-foot-guards.html

    Well I think this is a matter for the genealogy sleuths if they have time, should you want to continue that line of enquiry. [If you can edit the thread yourself (click edit and then go advanced) add "help with tracing living relatives", or if you want, I can do that change for you.]

    Out of interest I did an army no. range search with Geoff's engine and found this chap who is only a few numbers away. They may have been in same training squad, it's possible anyway; though this provides no indication at all of where Guardsman Beachill might have served, ie with which battalion. (Men in my father's squad ended up in a different bn, or in holding bn at time of Normandy)

    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    All the best
    Diane

    PS A photo of the bible would be great, if you could manage? I've seen some others, but can't remember one issued to a Guardsman.
     
  7. SilverFox

    SilverFox Junior Member

    As a 'XXXXXX' on here, firstly i'd like to say how much I enjoy the details and very interesting links provided throughout the forum. Secondly, on this thread, I have the honour of managing a hotel, which hosts the Middlesbrough and District Branch of The Coldstream Guards Association. This weekend we host the regional Household Division Burns Supper. I will pass the name onto the secretary of the CGA if you wish, and see if I can get further information.
    This link may be of use in your search
    Untitled Document
    regards

    Mark
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Mark welcome to the forum and thanks for your kind reply.

    Chris - a chance to get something straight from the horse's mouth ... !
     
  9. christoph

    christoph Junior Member

    Here is a picture of the writing in the bible if it helps.. many thanks for the advice and help on this matter, I will certainly write a letter as suggested by Dianne in the first instance. Drew's comment about the name being popular in Yorkshire confirms my own brief research into the military links to the name Beachill, a few served in the York and Lancs during WW1.
    I'm in Sheffield and found it in a charity shop here so a local connection is probable. Dianne's comment about why it was in a charity shop keeps nagging at me tho. I doubt anyone who gives a relatives war bible away would be as interested as people investigating sites such as this, I may be wrong.
    We'll see what happens. I return to work tomorrow after a brief illness so cannot devote as much time to a search as I would like but I'll post on here if I get any reply from CG RHQ.
    Regards
    Chris
     

    Attached Files:

  10. christoph

    christoph Junior Member

    Oh, and thanks Silverfox.. which is my nickname by the way! Weird.
     
  11. christoph

    christoph Junior Member

    Hi,
    Regimental Headquarters, Coldstream Guards have kindly accepted the bible and will give it a good home. If a family member of 2659373 G J Beachill makes any enquiries in this matter, then it will be returned to them.
    Many thanks for the help received in this matter.
    Regards
    Chris
     
    4jonboy and Mike L like this.
  12. Mike L

    Mike L Very Senior Member

    Chris, very kind of you to donate the Bible to the museum - well done!
    Rep on it's way.
     

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