Description
An interesting 1914 Star and Bar to the Royal Engineers. M.I.D. “For Gallant and distinguished service” when he spotted a German disguised as a French soldier.
1914 Star (5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914, bar) 17032 Dvr R. Wheals. R.E.
Mentioned in despatches, London Gazette 16th February 1915:
Robert John Wheals was born in Bow, Essex in 1884.
He enlisted on the 19th December 1907
He served in France from 18th August 1914 to 4th September 1915.
He was promoted to Shoeing-Smith Corporal with effect from 29th December 1914, was also to be mentioned in despatches. His papers contain the following correspondence.
“The Brigadier General.
In reply to your message reference number 17032 Shoeing Smith Wheals of the unit under my command, and the arrest he caused to be made. I beg to report the following:
He had a permanent pass till 9 pm to visit St. Omer when at 7:30 pm he noticed a man dressed in khaki , with putties but wearing a French cap, whose manner seemed cautious and peculiar. He looked from outside into one café and then walked on. The man cross the road, looked into another café and walked in Wheals followed. There were no French soldiers inside. It appeared to Wheals that the people in the café all regarded the stranger askance. Wheals ordered to drink for himself, and asked the stranger to have one. He accepted and they talked a little. The man spoke English perfectly, and asked Wheals how are you enjoying Christmas. He said he was French, and belonged to the third division of the second army corps. Wheals suspected him to be a German. While the man was talking to some French civilians, Wheals gave the proprietor a nod without saying anything to him. He meant him to fetch the police, which the proprietor understood. The latter went out, and returned in a quarter of an hour with two British military policeman. During this time interval the stranger had further drinks and conversation with French people,Wheals remaining there too. Wheals call the policeman aside, and told them he suspected this man to be a German. They therefore took the man into the Provost Marshal where Wheals made a statement of a case.
Wheals enlisted as a driver in the Royal engineers, he served with the colours for two years and in the reserve for about seven before urbanisation. He is quiet, steady man and a good soldier.
Attached report is the outcome of a verbal request made by me to OC 1st Bridging Train regarding the actions of one of his sappers.
Shoeing Smith Wheals appears to have acted not only in a praiseworthy but also intelligent manner whereby a person who is very much wanted had been laid by the heels and as one of those cases where reward or recognition is indicated.
G.H. Fowke”
He was discharged on the 21st February 1916 as being no longer physically fit for war service and is entitled to a Silver War badge, no 98754
Condition – NEF
