HELP!
You may recall that I have been trying to find information on a relative
(expert in Mines rescue and Breathing apparatus) who we were told was in
Mexico in 1914 in his capacity as an expert on BA apparatus. I had little
more to go on other than a passed down family story.
I apologise if this query appears to be going off topic but this period in
Arthur Clifford's history is "the Missing Link" in his career in Mines
Rescue.
Shortly after his return to the UK he was sent to the Western Front to train
Sappers in the use of BA kit in relation to the offensive tunnelling
operations which were under way for most of the war.
The Mexico episode has always been difficult to prove - until now! I have
come into possession of a photograph album containing many pictures taken by
my relative - Arthur Clifford, mainly in the mines around the Forest of Dean
(UK) and, in the back of the album, are several pictures of him, his team,
and a very large oil well fire in Mexico.
Bearing in mind that the Mexican revolution was in full swing in 1914 I am
assuming that the fire was an act of sabotage??
Two of the pictures are dated Sept/Oct 1914 and the location of the fire
(covering some 40 acres!) is written in as (assuming I have read the
handwriting correctly):-
Cia Mex de Pet. "El Aguila" SA
No. 4 Well
Potrero del Llano
Estada de Vera Cruz
Mexico
One other name written is that of a G. M. Wilkie who, with Arthur, is
pictured wearing the Proto BA gear.
My assumptions so far therefore are:-
1. Arthur was sent to Mexico because of his expertise with BA kit, probably
at the recommendation of Messrs Siebe Gorman, makers of the Proto kit;
2. His task was to maintain said kit for use on the fire control;
3. He attended with at least 3 other Brits and;
4. The oil well was probably either American owned or at least in American
control at the time.
I have documentary evidence that although he was in Mexico at least in the
October of 1914, by the April of 1915, Arthur was a Lance Corporal with the
Royal Engineers and was in France training the Sappers.
Many questions therefore:-
How long would the passage to Mexico have taken in 1914 ?
Has anyone heard of this oil refinery/fire (40 acres alight would not go
unnoticed!)?
Has anyone heard of a G.M. Wilkie ?
Does anyone disagree with my assumptions ?
Any help will be appreciated, even if it is just being put in contact with
someone in Mexico that might be able to assist my research.
Regards
Phil Clifford
Mines Rescue Research at http://freespace.virgin.net/kathryn.c
Lovat Scouts Research at http://website.lineone.net/~philip_clifford
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