A First World War historian is trying to trace the descendants of Huntingdonshire veterans who served in the Salonika campaign. 

Lyn Edmonds has been researching the life of Dr Arthur Greenwood who had served with the Royal Army Medical Corps. 

Dr Greenwood, a GP and radiologist, treated injured and sick soldiers from a field hospital in Vertekop (now Skydra), in Greece.   

After the war, he moved to Godmanchester and set up the Huntingdon and District Branch of the Salonika Reunion Association (SRA) in 1930.   

The SRA brought veterans together through social activities, held an annual parade and a ceremony of commemoration in London. 

It also established a benevolent fund to help those who needed financial support.   

The Hunts Post: A Serbian machine-gun team in action in the mountains during the offensive to capture Monastir in 1916.A Serbian machine-gun team in action in the mountains during the offensive to capture Monastir in 1916. (Image: © Salonika Campaign Society)The Huntingdon and District Branch held its annual meetings in the Walden Café, in George Street, Huntingdon.   

It also organised events in the area including a summer fete which is featured in a report in The Peterborough Standard in June 1932. 

One of the last newspaper articles Lyn found about the branch said it had 74 members in 1933.   

She has also shared the below list of almost 40 names understood to have been members - and is keen to get in touch with their relatives.   

For some of them, she knows the town or village where they lived.   

The Hunts Post: Wounded being loaded aboard wagons on a British light railway in Macedonia, 1917.Wounded being loaded aboard wagons on a British light railway in Macedonia, 1917. (Image: © Salonika Campaign Society)Lyn, who shares her research on the website ‘Away From The Western Front’, said: “Serving in the Salonika campaign brought these veterans together. 

“I would really like to know more about other members and would appreciate hearing from anyone who could be connected to any of the names on the list.   

“Tucked away in a box somewhere could be old photographs, an agenda from a branch meeting or other items connected to the SRA. 

“These kinds of items may be able to help me with the research.” 

If you recognise a name on the list or can help Lyn, email lynedmonds4@gmail.com.   

Lyn’s research can be read at https://awayfromthewesternfront.org/   

 

Possible former members of the Huntingdon and District Branch of the Salonika Reunion Association (SRA) 

Dr Arthur Greenwood (Godmanchester)  

Dr Cross from St Neots   

Mr Graves   

Mr P Sullivan (Fenstanton)  

Mr Luff (St Neots)   

Mr F Creamer (Godmanchester)   

Mr C Howard (Huntingdon)   

Mr F Johnson   

Mr F Edwards (Ramsey)   

Mr A Creamer (Yaxley)   

Mr G Wadsworth (St Ives)   

Capt Linton (Buckden) 

Major Green 

Mr Graves  

Mr Joyce   

Mr J Rowe  

Mr Kilty  

Mr Marriott   

Mr Campbell   

Mr G Clifton (Huntingdon)   

Mr W H Allen   

Mr Dear   

Mr Paine   

Mr Bedford (Godmanchester)   

Mr Senescall (Needingworth) 

Mr Howard  

Mr W Dawson   

Mr J Dawson  

Mr W L Payne  

Mr G B Houghton (Ramsey) 

Mr Young (St Neots) 

Mr Cuckoo (Brampton)   

Mr Howell  

Mr J R Papworth (Fenstanton)  

Mr W G Allen  

Mr Barber (Alconbury)   

Mr Grainger (Bury)   

Mr Kiddle (St Ives)  

Mr Cyril Young