RAYNAL C. BOLLING 1877-1918 AKA Raynal Cawthorne Bolling

 

LT. R. C. BOLLING'S UNIFORM June 24, 1916

 

A note found in the pocket of this uniform reads as follows:      "Grandfather Bolling's old army uniform, 1916, Buttons are in ditty box in closet, I think. Heavier coat on display at Bolling field."      Person must have died and the tunic was sold at an estate sale, as it was with several old hunting jackets. Had I seen the note I would have asked about the ditty box, unfortunately I have not seen the ederly couple since I bought the coat from them. who knows, they may have been related to the Col. Heavier coat must have been the wool tunic. Comments via email from Hobie Saunders, 5-3-04

 

 

RESPONSE FROM BROOKS BROTHERS Dear Mr. Hobie Saunders,      Thank you for your interest in the Brooks Brothers archives. The company has indeed maintained extraordinary records; however the kind of information you have requested is not ascertainable. No sources exist which would permit me to trace the manufacture or sale of individual uniforms during the Great War period. As I'm sure you are aware, the provenance accompanying your artifact adds a great deal to its historical value, especially considering that an important base-home of the 11th Wing (single manager for all Air Force activities supporting Headquarters Air Force) here in Washington D.C.-was named in honor of Raynal Cawthorne Bolling.Interestingly enough, Bolling Air Force base is also home to the Air Force History Support Office, which may be able to assist you in uncovering more about Col. Bolling. Below is contact information for the Research and Analysis Division: Air Force History Support Office AFHRA OL-A/HOR 3 Brookley Avenue, Box 94 Bolling AFB, DC 20032-5000 Comm: (202) 404-2264 DSN: 754-2264 FAX: (202) 404-2232 email: afhso.research@pentagon.af.mil      Again, thank you for your interest and do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions. Chris Juhasz Archivist The History Factory Chantilly, Virginia 703.227.9567