Bombadier Billy Wells Boxer

[horseshoes]

I did think of posting this in sport but I think it's more general.

There's a couple of pictures from the London Illustrated War News on eBay at the minute, which show Billy Wells in training. It says he's in a Welsh Regiment, but other sources of information say he was in the Royal Artillery. I know he left the army in 1910 and rejoined in 1915 - was this to a Welsh Regiment? Can anyone confirm this please? Thank you.

[redman41]

As far as I can gather he served with the Royal Artillery on both occasions and was made a Sergeant when he rejoined in 1915.
His Lonsdale Belt is kept at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, nr Salisbury.
Wells Bombardier Cask Ale is named after him as he was a Bombardier (Corporal) whilst serving in India the first time around.

[MarkRae]

In addition to the above, he's also the answer to a fairly popular quiz question. In fact, IIRC, this fact one somebody £1m... :-)

[MarkRae]

...once earned...

[horseshoes]

@ Markrae. I bet it's about the J Arthur Rank Gong!

[horseshoes]

Hi Redman. Yes that's what I keep coming up with too. I think the newspaper cutting is incorrect. Here it is:

http://www.ebay.co.uk...sid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[redman41]

Not sure where the 'Welsh' Regiment comes in horseshoes as all references to him which I have seen are to do with the Royal Artillery.

[MarkRae]

Correct.

[horseshoes]

^ Sorry, I meant to say, have a read of the caption on the scanned copy.

[horseshoes]

I agree Redman - in every link I look at, it says Royal Artillery