I wonder if anyone on the list(s) can help me - I seem to have drawn a
blank on this issue.
My relative, Arthur Bernard Clifford, immediately prior to his
involvement with mines rescue at the Western Front (1915-17), but
after his training in Coal Mines Rescue in North Staffordshire, is
reported to have been in Mexico either learning about Oil Well Fires
or, more understandably, he was sent/requested to assist with the
maintenance of breathing apparatus at oil well fire(s).
My dilemma is that, as advised by Neal Ackerly
http://www.dos-rios.com ),direct from Mexico, he would have been
there in the middle of the Mexican Revolution. Also I would query the
viability of sending/requesting expert help from England bearing in
mind the travel time to get to Mexico.
If the reports are accurate I can only assume that he went on the
request of an oil company having probably been recommended by Siebe
Gorman as he was, by that time, proficient in the use of breathing
apparatus in mines rescue.
It would appear that, on his return from Mexico in 1915, he went,
within the space of 5 days, from being a civilian to a Lance Corporal
with the Royal Engineers. I believe he received a telegram from Sir
Gorman Davis suggesting that he might be 'useful' at the Western Front
as too many sappers were suffering from the gases which hung around
the mine tunnels immediately after the explosive charges were fired.
I have documentary evidence of his presence at the front and he is
mentioned in war diaries as being instrumental in establishing the 1st
Army Mines Rescue School at Strazeele, then later in Armentieres. He
was clearly considered to be an 'Expert' for this work.
I am now trying to find historic information on any oil companies that
were in Mexico around 1913/14 (I understand that many American
companies were regular targets for the revolutionaries) but alas,
there doesn't appear to be a discussion list for this subject.
Any help, no matter how tenuous, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation
Regards
Phil Clifford
"Je Suis Prest"
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://freespace.virgin.net/kathryn.c/index.htm
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