WW1 Colt 1911 belonging to Lt.Col H.A. Rose

[Fargone4sure]

I've owned this 1911 for awhile, but finally got around to getting a Colt letter for it. The gun was shipped to Lt. Col. Hugh Alexander Rose in 1915. Rose was shipped to France in 1916 as the commanding officer of the 98th Battalion, CEF. These were part of the massive reinforcements sent once it was realized the war was destined to drag on.

I've downloaded Rose's military papers, and see that he was twice mentioned in dispatches, although I haven't been able to track those down. He was assigned to other various units both in England and France, and survived the war. He came from a military family, his father of the same name having served as well.

Apparantly awhile back three of Rose's service medals sold for $1190 US. Also have found a few group photos from his early military career.

The Colt letter indicates that although the gun was shipped to Rose, it was sold to W.C. Denny, who I assume was a Colt dealer in Ontario, but I haven't been able to track down any info on him.

If any of you ex- military folks have ideas on how to track down more info on Rose, I'd be grateful.

 

[varifleman]

Excellent Canadian WWI Colt Government Model pistol with provenance; adds a lot since you have Col. Rose's service records.

 

[Fargone4sure]

Yes, it's nice to be able to connect a gun to its original owner. The records show Rose was a big man for the time, at 6ft 240lbs. Prior to WW1 he served in the 44th Rgt, Lincoln & Welland Canal Force from 1897 - 1915. Being born in Apr 12, 1881 this means he joined when he was 16 years old, and rose to the rank of Major.

In civilian life he was a Lawyer, lived in Welland, ON, and had a son also named Hugh Rose born May 10th, 1912.

As CO of the 98th Battalion, he sailed for England from Halifax on Jul 8, 1916 aboard the S.S. Laplaud (perhaps Lapland). After arrival in England the 98th was transferred to the 12th Reserve Battalion, and then assigned wherever needed to replace losses. By June 1917 Rose was the commander for the headquarters of the 6th Labour Group, and in 1918 became commander for the 81st Labour Group.

On 28-12-17 he was mentioned in dispatches (London Gazette, 30448), and again on 28-5-18 (London Gazette, 30706). I'm hoping I can track down copies of these eventually.

Ideally I'd like to track down his ancestors as well. I might just cold call everyone in Welland with the Rose surname, and see if that turns up anything. Attached is a recent picture of the Rose house in Welland.

 

[terez]

You Sir are to be commended for pursuing, respecting and sharing the illustrious proud history associated with that fine old pistol and its Canadian pedigree.

Colonel Rose appears to be one of many stirling examples of WW1 Canadian military history.

 

[Leg]

You should have more than enough to find him in National Archives. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-soldiers-of-the-first-world-war/

I did it once a few years back and I think it only cost me £2.

 

[Fargone4sure]

You should have more than enough to find him in National Archives. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-soldiers-of-the-first-world-war/

I did it once a few years back and I think it only cost me £2.

Thanks for the tip. I went and searched through their archives, with no results. It would appear that his records were amongst those destroyed in the 1940 bombing of the archives.

 

[HeliMD]

love this kind of stuff. Thanks for taking the time and sharing this with us. I can't help you with any info but hope you fine more. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[45ACPKING]

too cool

thanx for sharing this OP.

 

[RMR48``]

Very interesting OP. Thank you for sharing.
Good luck with your further research.

 

[J.Hancock]

Thats really cool. If i had millions i would string together some historic journeys myself.

 

[deadman]

Did you know who it belonged to before getting the letter from Colt? I got a letter a few years ago, mine shows purchase by Canadian government, shipped to J Wesley Allison. Mine had the owner's name engraved on the slide though, so it wasn't hard to find a starting point.

Just curious, the procurement process (and how it varied back then) is interesting to me.

It looks like you used the same channels as I did trying to find info on the owner. Gleaned whatever I could from the internet including archived newspapers of the time.

 

[Fargone4sure]

Did you know who it belonged to before getting the letter from Colt? I got a letter a few years ago, mine shows purchase by Canadian government, shipped to J Wesley Allison. Mine had the owner's name engraved on the slide though, so it wasn't hard to find a starting point.

Just curious, the procurement process (and how it varied back then) is interesting to me.

It looks like you used the same channels as I did trying to find info on the owner. Gleaned whatever I could from the internet including archived newspapers of the time.

No, I didn't. I was wondering if the gun was one of the 5000 ordered for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, so ordered the Colt letter. It was a pleasant surprise to find out it was bought privately by Lt.Col. Rose, which was actually a pretty common thing for officers to do. It would be great to track down more info on W.C. Denny, the fellow that ordered the gun for Rose, but thus far I haven't found a thing.