Oscar Snow (1893–1970)

Corporal

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 22830 3rd Battalion
Cheshire Regiment 3/28452 2nd Battalion

Photo courtesy Linda Hardy

Photo of Oscar Snow in WW1

Biography
Oscar Snow was born at Bonsall, Derbyshire, on 11th October 1894; the only child of Frederick Snow and Hannah Welch. He was raised at Alderwasley and Whatstandwell, where his father worked as a farmer. Oscar worked as a carpenter and joiner for the joinery firm of Yelverton Dawbarn Brothers at Whatstandwell.

He attested with the Sherwood Foresters at Derby on 1st February 1915 and shortly afterwards was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He was later transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment and arrived in France on 14th July 1915 as part of the British Expeditionary Force where he served as a Lewis Gunner. From October 1915 Oscar served as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Salonika. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in May 1918. He was demobilised on 16th February 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the 1914–15 Star. He was also honoured with the Medalia Barbatie si Credinta (3rd Class) awarded by the King of Roumania. The medal which translates as ‘Manhood and Faith’, was awarded to non-commissioned officers for acts of bravery on the Eastern Front.

Lewis Gun

Lew gun in action.
Oscar was a Lewis Gunner.

After he was discharged from the army, Oscar returned to his employment at the steam joinery works at Whatstandwell and married Mary Petts in 1919 (Mary was sister to George Petts and Hubert Petts). They had a daughter and a son. Most of Oscar’s married life was spent living at Longway Bank at Whatstandwell. During the Second World War, he served as a member of the local corps of the Home Guard. He was musically-inclined, and as a young boy he joined the choir at All Saints Church in Alderwasley and later became choirmaster and organist. He served as the secretary of the Church Council until he retired in 1968. There is a brass plaque placed in his memory by the side of the organ.

Plaque to Osacr Snow

Plaque in Alderwasley Church beside the organ

Oscar Snow passed away at Longway Bank, Whatstandwell, on 11 September 1970, aged seventy-five years. He was laid to rest in Alderwasley Cemetery.

Family History Notes from Linda Hardey
Oscar Snow was born at Bonsall, Derbyshire, on 11 October 1894. He was the only child of Frederick Snow and Hannah Welch.

Oscar was raised at Alderwasley and Whatstandwell, where his father worked as a farmer and was associated with the prominent Hurt family. Oscar was employed as a carpenter and joiner throughout his working life. Prior to his military service during the war, he worked at the joinery of Yelverton Dawbarn Brothers Ltd at Whatstandwell.

Oscar was attested as a Private with The Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) at Derby on 1 February 1915 and shortly afterwards was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He was later transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment and arrived in France on 14 July 1915 as part of the British Expeditionary Force and served as a Lewis Gunner. From October 1915 Oscar served as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Salonika. In December 1916 he was appointed as an unpaid Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment, which was later upgraded to a paid rank. Oscar was promoted to the rank of Corporal in May 1918. He was demobilised on 16 February 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the 1914-15 Star. Oscar was also honoured with the Medalia Barbatie si Credinta (3rd Class) by the Crown of Romania. Whilst Romania was associated with the Allied powers during the war, this medal, which translates as ‘Manhood and Faith’, was awarded to non-commissioned officers for acts of bravery on the Eastern Front.

After he was discharged from the army, Oscar returned to his employment at the steam joinery works at Whatstandwell and married Mary Petts in 1919. They had a daughter and a son. Most of Oscar’s married life was spent living at Longway Bank at Whatstandwell. During the Second World War, he served as a member of the local corps of the Home Guard.

Photo courtesy Linda Hardy

Oscar Snow in the Home Guard in WW2

Home Guard WW2
Back row: ? / ? Walpole / ?
Front row: Oscar Snow / Bert Lee / George Walker

Oscar was musically-inclined, and as a young boy he joined the choir at All Saints Church at Alderwasley and later became choirmaster and organist. He served as the secretary of the Church Council until he retired in 1968. There is a brass plaque placed in his memory by the side of the organ.

Oscar Snow passed away at Longway Bank, Whatstandwell, on 11 September 1970, aged 75 years. He was laid to rest in Alderwasley Cemetery.

Medal Card Index
He was awarded the British War, Victory and 15-Star Medals.
He entered France on 15 July 1915.
Rank of Corporal
Demobbed 16 February 1919

Also awarded the Medaille Barbatie si Credinta 3rd Class by H.M. The King of Roumania 26/03/19

NOTE: Manhood and Loyalty Medal (Medalia Barbatie si Credinta)

Oscar Snow Medalia Barbatie si CredintaThe Manhood and Faithfulness Medal was awarded to noncommissioned Officers and enlisted men for service to the Crown of Romania as well as for lesser acts of Bravery. It was awarded in three classes, with and without swords; 1st class in Gold (gilt), 2nd class in Silver and 3rd class in Bronze. For military service the medal was awarded with crossed swords.
During the First World War, when Romania was associated with the Allied powers, this award was also given to British N.C.O.'s for acts of bravery in the Eastern Theatre of War.
The words BARBATIE SI CREDINTA Literal translation is "Manhood and Faith" and in the context of this award means "Manhood – courage and Bravery Faith (as in faith in God)".

 

Oscar Snow's medals, courtesy Linda Hardy

Oscar Snow's WW1 medals

Army Service Record
He attested 01/02/15 at Derby, aged 21 years and 4 months an unmarried wood moulder of Crich Carr. His height was 5ft 7½in and the next of kin was his father, Frederick Snow, of Crich Carr. Address for pay Chase Cliff Whatstandwell. He was a Lewis Gunner and was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star Medals. Also awarded the Medaille Barbatie si Credinta 3rd Class by H.M. The King of Roumania 26/03/19
01/02/15 Attested
01/02/15 to 13/07/15 Home
09/02/15 Posted to 3rd Sherwood Foresters
09/07/15 Transferred to 3rd Cheshire Regt
14/07/15 to 23/10/15 To France
24/10/16 Med. Ex. Force Salonica
16/12/16 Appointed unpaid a/cpl to 2nd Cheshire Regt
13/04/17 Appointed paid l/crpl
06/05/18 Promoted cprl
16/02/19 Demobbed
20/11/20 Awarded 20% Disability Pension of 8s 8d for effects of Malaria. Born 1893 with address of Back Lane, Alderwasley

Newspaper Reports

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 6 August 1915
ALDERWASLEY MEN AT THE FRONT
The Wirksworth parish magazine says: – “Since the magazine last came out, a number of our young men have started for the front. E Redfern, in the RFA, has been in hospital; Arthur Lee and Arthur Carrington started for the Dardanelles about July 1; Herbert Petts and Oscar Snow about the middle of the month for France; JHM White, whom we heartily congratulate on his promotion to be captain, left about the same time, having been engaged in Staff work, and the work of embarking troops. May they be in God's keeping and returning safety and with honours gained. Our best congratulations also to be given to George Petts who is now Lance sergt. We were glad to see Capt Shepherd-Cross home on leave and in good health.”

Derbyshire Courier 16 November 1918
CRICH, LEA, & HOLLOWAY.
At Crich Church of England School on Saturday a sale of work in aid of the Prisoners of War Fund was opened by Mrs Dunn of The Tors. Stalls were provided by the Young Ladies’ Class and the Day School children. The former realised £15 11s, and the scholars’ stall cleared £12 11s. With the sale of refreshments and admission charges are some of £30 was realised. Mr J. Haywood had the arrangements in hand.

Mr H. Dyson presided over a meeting of the Crich and Fritchley Free Churches, held at the Bower on Wednesday when arrangements were made for holding a united thanksgiving service at the Baptist Chapel on Sunday

Amongst the soldiers who have been at home to participate in the peace rejoicing is were Corporals Oscar Snow, of Chase Cliff Farm, and Harold J. Parkin, of Hill Top House, Crich Common. Corpl. Snow who came over on Saturday from Salonika is on his first leave since July 1915. He has seen service in France, Egyp, Salonika, and Bulgaria, and during his three years and four months fighting has escaped being wounded. He has had a malaria however on several occasions.

Oscar Snow is also remembered on the Alderwasley Roll of Honour in the Church

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Alderwasley

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Frederick Snow Head 41 Farmer Wirksworth
Hannah Snow wife 47   Penalt
Oscar Snow son 7   Bonsall

RG13 piece 3235 folio 10 page 11

1911: Woodgate, Whatstandwell

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Frederick Snow Head 52 Farmer & groom Wirksworth
Hannah Snow wife 56   Penalt
Oscar Snow son 17 Machine hand steam joinery Bonsall

RG14PN20985 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED14 SN30

1918 Crich voters
Oscar Snow, Crich Carr; absent on military service.

1939 Register: Ash House, Alderwasley
Oscar Snow b.11 October 1893; wood machinist
Mary Snow b.20 June 1890
two closed records