246304 Bmdr. William John Howard Topps British Army 24th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery from:Epsom, Surrey William Topps was born in July 1886 at Epsom, Surrey to John James Howard Topps and Mary Ann Wallis Topps. On May 2nd, 1907, he attested to the Royal Regiment of Artillery, Royal Garrison Artillery and served in India from Oct. 2nd, 1907 to Feb. 1st, 1912. Gunner Topps was transferred to Class 1 Army Reserve status on 5th of Feb. 1912 and became a Postman in Epsom. On 5th of August 1914, he transferred from Reserve status to active service with the 24th Heavy Battery. According to his Medal Rolls Index Card, the Qualification Date for his 1914 Star was 9th of September 1914 and eligibility for the Clasp and Roses was annotated 15th of June 1920. In addition to the 1914 Star with Clasp and Roses, he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. It is possible that he participated in the unofficial 1914 Christmas Truce. Gunner Topps served with the R.G.A. in Belgium and France until he suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh on 28th of July 1917. He was evacuated to England and remained there for treatment and rehabilitation. He was later posted to No. 1 Reserve Battery, R.G.A. on home service. On 25th of August 1918, he was appointed Paid. A/Cpl., but based on his Cover For Discharge Documents, dated 28th of February 1919, he was transferred to the 17th R.A. Coy., R.G.A. (Reserve), with the final rank of Bombardier. For many years, William J. H. Topps lived at Walton-On-The-Hill, Carshalton, Surrey but apparently never married. Based upon civil records, it is possible that this Old Contemptible passed at age 68, in June 1955 at Uckfield, Sussex.
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