Tom Rees

Trebrys · 14 October 2006, 03:58 PM

I've recently been researching onto the background and story of Tom Rees, the Welsh first official "kill" of MvR and have found a few errors in his details. The family clammed up after the death and didn't talk about their loss at all, but I was recently privileged to have been given private and personal photos of Rees by his sister's daughter. I mean to publish them some time soon but I'd like it if any of you folk can help me out with certain details.

Would anyone know how I can find out Rees's war record? How long had he been in France and whether he was an experienced fighter or not? MvR's own account of the fateful fight suggests that Morris, the FE2b's pilot was experienced. Would anyone have a photo of Morris's grave? Or how could I get one? Would anyone know if there are photos in existence of Izel le Hameau or Flesquieres airfields?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Trebrys.

Barrett · 14 October 2006, 04:34 PM

Consult Under the Guns of the Red Baron by Norman Franks.

Trebrys · 14 October 2006, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. I've already done so. The piece about Rees's brother, John, being killed by lightning on the same day is incorrect. He was killed whilst chopping down an ash tree with his father in order to build a cart for his upcoming wedding. The family found out that Tom Rees was dead on the day of John's funeral.

Vin · 14 October 2006, 04:57 PM

That says a lot about early 20th century life, doesn’t it. Nowadays he’d be ringing ‘round for quotes from hire car suppliers. The one account is of how John died, the other when. Both could be correct or at least, partially correct. It would be interesting to compare the sources of the 2 accounts. What was Franks’ source and what is your’s ?

Trebrys · 14 October 2006, 05:14 PM

Hi Vin,

My sources were local newspapers of the Brecon area of mid Wales, the Rees' neighbours and the daughter of Rees's elder sister. I don't know where Mr Franks had his information from.

To be fair to him, the family shut up shop and did not talk about it for decades ( as religious Nonconformist Welsh families tend to do!) and with all the detail researched for his excellent book, it would be believable to think that some information got mythologised during the mists of time in exactly the same way that urban legends spring up today.

Vin · 14 October 2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trebrys

...it would be believable to think that some information got mythologised during the mists of time in exactly the same way that ...

Hang around the "Peoples" section of this site for plenty of examples, Trebrys. I hope you get informative responses to your queries from my betters.

Trebrys · 15 October 2006, 02:20 AM

Thanks Vin - I hope someone will be able to put me on the right tracks!

StephenLawson · 15 October 2006, 09:30 AM

Trebrys; Greetings There are sevral members of the Drome highly qualified to give you directions on the memebers of the BEF. Try the links area and look for Cross & Cockade International. Decent group of fellows in the UK that seem to have the pulse on such histories. The library of the Imperial War Museum or the PRO would be good candidates for historical documents. Several of them are members here and hopefully some one like MikeW will be able to set you straight. Good hunting!

Trebrys · 15 October 2006, 09:48 AM

Well hello there, Colorado!
Many thanks for advice! I'll try what you say and see what happens!
Trebrys.