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FIRST WORLD WAR · ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENTAL SERJEANT-MAJOR E. G. NEW MEDAL TRIO & PERSONAL WARTIME ARCHIVE Edward Garfield New · 930 / 940230 · 56th (London) Division From arrival in France in 1915 to his farewell in 1919, this archive preserves a senior artillery soldier’s war through his own notebook, official recognition and the words of the men who served with him. THE SOLDIER & HIS SERVICE
Edward Garfield New was a Territorial artilleryman whose notebook records his arrival at Le Havre on 4 October 1915. His Star names him as a Battery Quartermaster-Serjeant; later records identify him with D Battery, 280th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, and the 56th (London) Division.
His divisional commendation, dated 26 March 1917 on the reverse and bearing Major-General C. Hull’s signature, recognises that he had “distinguished yourself by your conduct in the Field”. His original War Office warrant, issued on 5 October 1918, confirms appointment as Temporary Warrant Officer Class I from 2 May 1917, placing him in the Army’s highest warrant officer class.
HIS WAR IN HIS OWN WORDS
The named pocket notebook follows his movements through France and Belgium, including Mametz, Bapaume and Dickebusch. Alongside practical military notes are brief diary entries:
31 July: “Offensive opens.”
1 August: “Horrible Day heavy rains.”
2 August: “Another wretched day”
3 August: “2 sections in action.”
Read alongside his recorded movements, this sequence points to the opening of Third Ypres (Passchendaele) in 1917. A later entry for 24 April reads “Wounded. Got a blighty!” Further pages mention hospital bombing, camp duties and correspondence arranging for his warrant to be sent to South Norwood, London.
Only a selection of the notebook’s pages has been photographed; the notebook itself is included.
A RESPECTED REGIMENTAL SERJEANT-MAJOR
By March 1919, New was serving as a Regimental Serjeant-Major on the Camp Quartermaster’s Staff at Martin-Église, France. Two hand-decorated farewell testimonials, dated 19 March 1919 and bearing numerous signatures, mark his departure for demobilisation. His colleagues praise his courtesy, respect and “greatest consideration for the welfare of those that have been under you”.
His story continues into civilian life with a 1926 certificate thanking him for service with the Metropolitan Special Constabulary Reserve.
MEDALS & ACCOMPANYING EFFECTS 1914–15 Star:
930. B.Q.M.SJT. E.G. NEW. R.F.A. British War Medal & Victory Medal:
930 T.W.O.CL.1.E.G.NEW.RA
With the named medal issue box, ribbons and ribbon bar; brass identity bracelet marked 940230 / D.280.BDE.R.F.A.; two Royal Arms rank badges; RFA shoulder titles and artillery badge; mounted portrait and group photograph; wallets; printed Kitchener message; and accompanying envelopes. A Silver War Badge numbered 496714 is also present; its recipient has not been independently verified.
The medals, documents, notebook and accompanying effects are offered together as one archive.
CONDITION
Antique condition with wear from age, use and storage. Medals and badges have surface marks and toning; ribbons show wear and some fraying. Papers and photographs have creasing, discolouration, marks and edge wear, with small tears in places. The notebook and wallets show wear to their covers, edges and binding.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description and condition report.
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