The Reluctant Warrior 100 Years Later

UncleBuck · Aug 22, 2018

I picked up an old trench watch some time ago that many of you have seen.... but I cannot let this centennial anniversary date go unmentioned.

While visiting the National WWI Museum and in discussing watches of the era, I mentioned my old trench and the inscription date piqued the Curator's interest.
He accessed some old records and finds my Mr. Daly!
It seems that the date of Aug 23, 1918 commemorates the date Mr. Daly was drafted into service with the U.S. Army.

I call Mr. Daly the reluctant warrior because his draft card notes a request for deferment based on his wife's health.
His request got as far with the Army as mine did in '71!

Entering sevice at the last stages of the war, he survived and went on to have more children with the poor sick woman.

I salute my reluctant warrior, Mr. Daly on this 100 year anniversary and give tribute to all that have served, each with their own special story.

Special thanks to @STANDY for the fine shrapnel or scratch guard.

ext1 · Aug 22, 2018

Very nice! I just watched the movie Journey's End and that really piqued my interest in WW1 watches. It's really great to see a watch with such an awesome provenance. 👍

Philou · Aug 22, 2018

Great story and beautiful watch 👍
Happy Birthday to Mr. Daily !

Dan S · Aug 22, 2018

What a great piece of history, and I'm fascinated trying to make sense of everything. The dates are confusing because the registration card is from June 1917, and he indicates that he already has 2 years of military service and claims exemption. So did he serve a second time? Perhaps there are still some unanswered questions.

The watch looks like it was engraved on his 29th birthday, 3 months before the end of the war. Perhaps this is the day that he was drafted, but it would be a coincidence that it was on his birthday.

Larry S · Aug 22, 2018

Dan S
What a great piece of history, and I'm fascinated trying to make sense of everything. The dates are confusing because the registration card is from June 1917, and he indicates that he already has 2 years of military service and claims exemption. So did he serve a second time? Perhaps there are still some unanswered questions.

The watch looks like it was engraved on his 29th birthday, 3 months before the end of the war. Perhaps this is the day that he was drafted, but it would be a coincidence that it was on his birthday.

Looks like it may have been some sort of HS ROTC program. Local Nat Guard? Hard to read... Nevertheless a cool watch with provenance...Never sell it. 👍

Basset Hound · Aug 22, 2018

Nice story. It’s rare to be able to connect a watch that age to the original owner. I have a trench watch dating to 1915 (not an Omega I’m afraid) and often wonder about the journey it’s been though before ending up in my hands. The story enhances your watch.

chronoboy64 · Aug 22, 2018

great post, thanks for sharing 👍

LouS · Aug 22, 2018

ext1
Very nice! I just watched the movie Journey's End and that really piqued my interest in WW1 watches. It's really great to see a watch with such an awesome provenance. 👍

Extra-credit for using the correct word. Last few times I have seen the expression used, the interest was 'peaked.'

Alphasports · Aug 22, 2018

Nice, thanks for posting. Kudos for having the character and respect to honor and research a previous owner like this.

JimInOz · Aug 22, 2018

Thanks Jimbo, interesting post.
We see very few watches with an attached history, but when we do it makes one think a lot more about the watch, the owner, and the times.

joeshoup · Aug 23, 2018

Did Daly make it to France in time for the fireworks?

UncleBuck · Aug 23, 2018

joeshoup
Did Daly make it to France in time for the fireworks?

Not sure, but if you factor in training time and the boat ride over, it was a cameo appearance at best.

STANDY · Aug 23, 2018

UncleBuck
It seems that the date of Aug 23, 1918 commemorates the date Mr. Daly was drafted into service with the U.S. Army.
.
.

@UncleBuck you might want to Check his date of birth on his registration card 😉

Birthday present maybe....

JimInOz · Aug 23, 2018

Well Andy, that's when they grab you.

At least he wasn't 18 like some draftee countries.

UncleBuck · Aug 23, 2018

STANDY
@UncleBuck you might want to Check his date of birth on his registration card 😉

Birthday present maybe....

I thought of that but the museum records showed the 23rd as his start date and I feel it more likely he "geared up" for service than to celebrate his 29th birthday with a non-descript engraving.
However, it is entirely reasonable that his family gave him a special birthday gift at the time of his departure.

Dan S
he already has 2 years of military service and claims exemption. So did he serve a second time? Perhaps there are still some unanswered questions.

His being 29 would certainly open the possibility of prior service, wouldn't it?

Funny thing, on census reports he listed as having served once or twice and then later on, indicated no military service.
This makes me think he felt his service inconsequential.

.

joeshoup · Aug 23, 2018

UncleBuck
Not sure, but if you factor in training time and the boat ride over, it was a cameo appearance at best.

Though I suppose we had troops in Siberia until the middle of 1920.... but now I'm just speculating. I hope he made it back tohours cat parts business without getting trench foot!

Thanks for an interesting story.

UncleBuck · Aug 23, 2018

I've always called these shrapnel guards, but @dougiedude has made the valid point that if shrapnel is ripping through......your watch is the least of your worries!

zinengineer · Aug 23, 2018

great story; cool watch

dougiedude · Aug 24, 2018

UncleBuck
I've always called these shrapnel guards, but @dougiedude has made the valid point that if shrapnel is ripping through......your watch is the least of your worries!

If ya can’t protect all of the vitals, well then, you might as well protect the watch! 😁 (edited by D.D.)

noelekal · Aug 24, 2018

Touching story to see with your great watch Jim.