British – Victorian and WWI Family Group – Killed in Action First Day of the Battle of the Somme 1916 – Reeves

Queen’s South Africa Medal, clasps ‘Transvaal’, ‘SA 02’: 9330 Pte. J. Reeves. Vol. Coy. Durham L.I.

British War Medal / Victory Medal: 104312 Spr. R. Reeves. R.E.

James Reeves was born in Stockton, Durham around 1876 and belonged to the 10th Volunteer Battalion, Durham Light Infantry when he attested for one year short service in January 1902. He served in South Africa with the Volunteer Company of the DLI in 1902 and for this service was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. 

Reuben Reeves was also born in Stockton, Durham around 1889. He was employed as a photographer when he attested to the 227th Field Company, Royal Engineers in July 1915. He appears to have been initially classified as a photographer with the engineers but was transferred in March 1916 to No. 5 depot RE and then to the “Special Brigade – Special Section” with whom he proceeded to France in  May 1916. According to correspondence in his surviving service record, Reeves served with No. 5 Sub Section within the Special Brigade. He was killed in action on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme 1 July 1916.
It is unclear what duties Reeves’s section was responsible for during the battle. The Special Brigade of the Royal Engineers were responsible for poison gas operations, operating smoke mortars as well as the Livens projectors (flamethrowers) among other specialised equipment and were secretive units during the war.

Sold with the original shipping boxes and outer packaging for the BWM and VM addressed to Reuben Reeve’s sister, Ruth Calvert and some family photos depicting Reuben and his brother as well as a larger portrait with two gentlemen in uniform, and Reuben who appears to be in ‘Blackface’ for reasons unknown.

A rare First Day of the Somme casualty to an interesting and small unit.