About the product

1914 Star BWM Red Cross St John

1914 Star, BWM, Robert William “Bert” Hanning, Orderly with BRC and St John J, emigrated to Canada, found with his throat slashed in Halifax during 1935 in mysterious circumstances.

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SKU: J7674 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
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1914 Star, with sewn on copy clasp, British War Medal, Robert William “Bert” Hanning, a Civilian volunteer Orderly with the British Red Cross and St John of Jerusalem, in France since October 1914.

 

There is a Photo of him and his wife, on the annual outing of the Halifax Gryo Club, which he was President of whilst living in Canada. He was a good swimmer and won some races with the club.

 

“HALIFAX MAN FOUND DEAD
R. W. HANNING DISCOVERED WITH THROAT SLASHES, WIFE ALSO WOUNDED

 

Halifax, March 27 (1935), R.W. Hanning, former manager of an electrical supply company here, was found dead in his apartment today, his throat cut, when police answered a call from his wife, also slashed about the throat.

 

The wife was taken to a hospital, where doctors said she had a good chance for life.

 

Hanning’s body was found lying in his bedroom in their top floor apartment. The throat had been gashed with a large kitchen knife which lay near the body.

 

A trail of blood led to a window, and at first police indicated they were inclined to place some value on this circumstance. Later they refused to discuss the case altogether.
Hanning was 40 and a native of England, his wife is 36.
Hanning was a former president of the Gyro Club of Halifax.”

 

“R.W. HANNING DEATH INQUIRY CONTINUED, WIFE STILL IN HOSPITAL WITH THROAT CUT

 

Halifax, March 28, Authorities today continued their investigation into the finding of the body of 40 year old Robert W. Hanning in his apartment bedroom with his throat deeply gashed by a kitchen knife.

 

Although the evidence suggested Hanning had taken his own life after his wife ran screaming down the hallway, police officials sought more information.

 

Mrs Hanning was still in Hospital suffering from a deep gash across her throat received yesterday morning, but physicians express the hope that she would recover.

 

She submitted a statement to authorities but they refused to disclose the contents.
Shouting ‘Save Me!’ Mrs Hanning fled from the apartment yesterday and Dr S.H. Keshen went into the room and found Hanning on the floor. He died shortly afterwards without speaking.”

 

Little further details is know, it appears his wife survived as an Elizabeth J. Hanning born the same year as her died in Manchester, England during January 1957.

 


Both correctly officially impressed: “R. W. Hanning. B.R.C.S. & ST J.J.”

 

A very early volunteer who chose the peaceful route for war service in August 1914.

 

Robert William Hanning, served during the First World War as a Civilian Orderley with the British Red Cross.

 

He saw service from 29th October 1914 until 9th February 1919.

 

His Medal Index Card records that he served at the Boulogne Unit No 5 of the British Red Cross Society.

 

He listed his address as 38 College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, Lancashire.

 

He first joined up on 4th August 1914 with the East Lancashire No 11 detachment for duties as a Hospital, Train and Operation Orderly.

 

Robert was born during 1893 in Chorlton, Manchester, Lancashire.

 

The son of Adam and Fanny Eliza Hanning.

 

He grew up and lived in Moss Side, South Manchester.
During 1911 his father is noted as an Assistant Superintendent and an 18 year old Robert was working as a Junior Stores Clerk.

 

During 1918 he married his wife Elizabeth Jane.

 

His father died in Chorlton on 2nd September 1920.

 

Shortly afterwards he and his wife set off to Emigrate to Canada, he wished to settle there and brought with him £50.

 

He planned to arrive with his Brother in Law, Alex Penny who lived in Halifax Nova Scotia.

 

He later died on 27th March 1935 in Halifax, Nova Scotia as mentioned in the article. He is now buried in Camp Hill Cemetery.

 

The details are unclear around his death he was a popular local man around Halifax, possibly attributed to the lingering effects of what he saw during WW1 whilst in France.