In Deep
William Robert Henry Smallcombe - Imperial Service
The Man William Robert Henry Smallcombe was born on 5th March 1905 in Swansea, son of George Henry, a Salvation Army Assurance Agent and Florence. He was the oldest of four children and had three sisters, Florence Evelyn, born in 1908 and twins Lilly and Violet born in 1911. There was also another sibling who sadly died very young. At the time of the 1911 census the family were living at 96 Bryn Y Mor Road in Swansea. On September 12th 1921 aged 16 William joined the Post Office in Swansea as a Temporary Assistant Postman, becoming a sorting Clerk & Telegraphist after limited competition 15th September 1923 in the South Wales Group moving to Newport on 23rd April 1924 and transferring to Gloucester nine months later on 17th December. He moved back to Swansea in September 1925. William was a keen swimmer and member of the Swansea Swimming Club, winning many silver and gold medals from the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association in 1928, 30, 31, 32, 36 and 37 and also representing the Post Office in the 1 mile open sea competition. During the second quarter of 1936 aged 31 William married Vera May Madge in Swansea, and during the latter part of World War II served in the Armed Forces, although no details are known. He was awarded the Italy star, Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45. Following the war he returned to work at the General Post Office and retired in May 1965 aged 60, still in Swansea and having risen to Overseer. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal upon retirement. William died during the third quarter of 1975 aged 70 and Vera died eight years later during the first quarter of 1983.
The Story The medals awarded to William Robert Henry Smallcombe were acquired from E-Bay on 26th January 2015 and were of interest due to the number of swimming medallions included in the lot and the fact he had only qualified for the Italy Star, Defence & War Medal 1939-45, an unusual combination. It was possible to build up a brief biography from Ancestry.com and the London Gazette thus ensuring that another unsung heroes’ memory is preserved in at least part, for posterity.
William Smallcombe's World War II Medal Issue Certificate showing the award of three medals
Welsh Amateur Swimming Association silver and gold medals awarded to William Smallcombe
Engraved on reverse to R SMALLCOMBE Swansea SC 1930, 31,32,36,37
Engraved on reverse to R SMALLCOMBE Swansea SC 1930, 31,32,36,37
Swimming medallions awarded to William Smallcombe
Engraved on reverse W R SMALLCOMBE 1928,34,36 - 1 Mile Open Sea, Post Office Championships,
Engraved on reverse W R SMALLCOMBE 1928,34,36 - 1 Mile Open Sea, Post Office Championships,
Medal Details:
- Italy Star: Unnamed as awarded.
- Defence Medal: .Unnamed as awarded.
- War Medal 1939-45: Unnamed as awarded.
- Imperial Service Medal: WILLIAM ROBERT HENRY SMALLCOMBE
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This page last updated 9 Mar 15