What does "CE" mean after a signature?

[LowlanderDaughter]

In 1903 my Great Aunt Elizabeth Carlisle who lived in Bo'ness gave my grandmother Janet (living in the U.S.) a book "Spurgeon Birthday Book and Autographic Register." At the time my grandmother was 10 years old, and her brother had died the year before at age 15. I know Charles Spurgeon was a popular preacher and had written a lot of books, they were printed even after he had died. This book has a pharagraph giving a message by each day of the year. Elizabeth was a Christian, and I think she gave Janet the book to help her cope with her grief. In the autograph book some people signed their name, and after it wrote "Bo'ness" while others didn't. After several of the signatures, I believe it was Elizabeth who had written the letters "CE." Do you know what CE means? There is nothing written in the book explaining what CE stands for. I thought it had to do with the Christian faith, Scotland, or a relative (because Janet was born in the U.S. and wouldn't know who the people are).

Also, after the name J.G.M Gardner it says "Cpl" "A.P.C." What does this mean? Gardner is another family name.

Thanks,
Rhonda

[bleckie]

Hi Rhonda

"CPL" is a militry rank "Corporal" A.P.C. I thnk is the campaign medal for the Palastine conflict 1945 to 1948 (but I could be wrong) Someone with more Knowledge than I will either confirm or otherwise

Yours Aye

BruceL

[WilmaM]

Coud the CE be the Christian Endeavour ?

The Society was started in 1881 so woud have been very strong around the time you are refering to. http://www.cescotland.org/

[Currie]

Hello Rhonda,

Item 32 refers to a stamp and envelope for sale which had been sent by a Cpl. A.P.C. Field Force, Capetown, South Africa, in 1900 to an address in England.
http://www.berman.co.uk/276.html

The initials A.P.C. possibly are for an area where the Field Force was located. For example there was the Natal Field Force, South African Field Force etc. during the Boer War. It could also be “Army ------ Corps Field Force”, or something like that, but I can’t think what at the moment. If Mr. Gardener’s A.P.C. stands for the same thing it looks as though he was in the same area and his regiment, or whatever, was part of the same force.

Alan

[LowlanderDaughter]

Wilma,
I didn't know that CE was also in Scotland. When I showed my husband the book, he thought it was for Christian Endeabour, because he had been very involved with it when he was young. Now I know for sure.

Alan,
Thank you for the information on "A.P.C." I hadn't heard of the Boer War, so I will do some research on it.

Rhonda

[Roxy]

Could APC refer to Army Pay Corps?

Roxy

[Currie]

That sounds good Roxy.

It became the Royal Army Pay Corps R.A.P.C. during WW1. http://www.rapc.co.uk/

All the best,
Alan

[LowlanderDaughter]

Thank you Roxy and Alan. I think my relative was very proud to be in the A.P.C.

Rhonda

[piperpaul]

Hello From Van Diemen's Land,
Here is a suggestion:
CE was the abbreviation for "Civil Engineer" for Van Diemen's Land in the early days. One John Lee Archer (1791-1852) had the distinction of being appointed to this position from 1826-1838. When work for him ran out he was appointed Police Magistrate in the District of Horton in that Colony. He died at Stanley(Tasmania) in 1852 and the initials CE appear after his name on his grave stone.
A sailing vessel named Civil Engineer was so christened by John Lee Archer's wife at its launching in Launceston,(Tasmania). Strange name for a ship!
Regards,
Piperpaul

[Alan SHARP]

Greetings.

Could CE be referring to C of E "Church of England" just as RC is often noted for Roman Catholic ?

Just an out of context thought.

Alan SHARP.