H.M.S Powerful Presentation Watch

[Robbo]

Hi
I'm new to the forum and wondered if anybody may be able to help or offer some advice on a Pocket Watch I recently aquired.
The Watch it'self is a silver cased hunter and was presented to R.White P.O, 1,H.M.S Powerful. The exact wording states Siege of Ladysmith, 118 Days,1899-1900, R.White, P.O 1, H.M.S Powerful.
I've tried to do some research on the web and have managed to find out some information but not a great deal.
I believe the watches were presented by Lloyds of London to survivors who were present at the Siege of Ladysmith.
As I'm not particularly good at researching what I would really like to know is where to start to find out more about Petty Officer White. The only thing I do know is that he was awardes the QSA.
Are there any sources which give details of the survivors, particularly of the Naval Divisions ?
Any help would be much appreciated.



Robbo

[Mark]

Hi Robbo

Have you also thought about contacting the London based watchmaker if it is still in business? The movement looks like an Omega which, of course, is still producing watches today and may well be worth contacting also. This may be a bit of a long shot but worth investigating in case the serial number appears in their respective archives.

I am a big fan of Omega watches and wear a Seamaster Planet Ocean myself

Mark

[crimea1854]

I know nothing about watches, but a little about researching men in the Royal Navy. Your man was Richard White, born Tipperary, 1859, service number 85732. To find out his full service history you can download his record from the National Archives website:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7367305&queryType=1&resultcount=1

The 'Defence of Ladysmith' clasp was the only one on his Queens South Africa Medal. At the time he was in SA he gave a Mrs. M Poore, 38, Sidney Road, Stoke Road, Gosport as his next of kin.

Martin

[Robbo]

Hi Martin
Thank you very much for this information. It's a really great start for me. Also thanks you Mark. Omega may also have some records on the date the watch was manufactured.
Looks like I'll be busy.
Would anyone know just how many of these watches were actually presented ?
Robbo

[crimea1854]

Robbo

I've just done a little more digging, and according to the 1901 census he was single, and living as a boarder with William Poore and his family at the above address.

Martin

[Robbo]

Hi Martin
Thank you for this information. I've just been to the National Archive link you kindly gave me and downloaded his service record.
It's amazing that from a chance aquisition how a whole new chapter in history comes to life once again.
Thank you for your help.
Robbo

[crimea1854]

Robbo

The following may add a little more information re the watches:

http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/city-centre/powerful.htm

Also details from a medal auction house : Portsmouth Hunter Pocket Watch, silver case, the outer front lid inscribed ‘Siege of Ladysmith, 118 Days, 1899-1900, G. H. Dyer, A.B., H.M.S. Powerful’, the movement by ‘S. Smith & Son, 9 Strand, Swiss made, London, Watchmakers to the Admiralty’, with related certificate of warranty and contained in original blue cardboard presentation box, the lid with the gilt inscription, ‘Souvenir / Presented at the / Banquet at Portsmouth Town Hall / To the Naval Brigade / April 1900 / Harold R. Pink, Mayor

Martin

[Robbo]

Thanks Martin
The article is very interesting and might be worth me sendinga photo of the watch with details to them. They may like to add it to the site.
Robbo

[QSAMIKE]

There is a large full page article on the watch and the presentation in Graphic Magazine of the time also a write up about the Tribute Medals (Watch Fob) that was presented at the same time......

I will try to find it.....

This fob is for the naval brigade for both South Africa and China...... There are also fobs with just the South Africa and just the China.....

Mike

[Robbo]

Thanks Mike
When you actually start "digging" it's suprising what can be found. The article in Graphic Magazine sounds like it would be very interesting.
Robbo