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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: anniezooney on Friday 17 March 06 23:08 GMT (UK)

Title: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: anniezooney on Friday 17 March 06 23:08 GMT (UK)

I am trying to trace which regiment my grandfather, Edward Haines, born 1874 in Westbury, Wiltshire would have served in. He joined the army about 1891-2 and he served in India for about 10 years. I know he was in Kashmir at some point.

The family were living in Somerset on 1891 census, and I guess he most likely would have enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry. I note that this regiment was in India during the 1890's. Does anyone know how I would go about finding out if he was in this regiment. I would love to trace his army records if at all possible.

Thanks

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: Valda on Saturday 18 March 06 07:45 GMT (UK)

For this period, soldiers attestation papers (his record started when he volunteered or attested) were kept by the War Office alphabetically by the man's name and not by his regiment (at least the Foot regiments - the infantry). So your soldier's army record will be found at The National Archives under his surname in the relevant collection of records - WO97.
This presumes he was discharged before the First World War (though he may have renlisted). Soldiers records for men who served during the war took a direct hit from a bomb raid in the Second World War and two thirds of all soldiers' records were lost.

The National Archives research guide on soldiers records is a good statring point.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=14

Regards

Valda

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: anniezooney on Saturday 18 March 06 14:18 GMT (UK)

Valda

Many thanks for your help. At least I know how and where to start my search, and it sounds hopeful that I may find his records. My grandfather was in WW1, right from the start of the war, we know he was in the Royal Field Artillery but little else.

Thank you.

Annie

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: Wendi on Monday 20 March 06 19:03 GMT (UK)

Hi Annie

Did he survive World War 1 ?

Wendi

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: liverpool annie on Monday 20 March 06 19:19 GMT (UK)

Hi Annie and welcome to RootsChat  :)

I wonder if this may be his medal card ? just a thought! - did he have a second name ?

Haines, William Edward
Indian Army Reserve of Officers      Acting Major
Bengal Sappers and Miners      Acting Major
Date   1914-1920

http://www.rootschat.com/links/08a/

Annie  :)

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: anniezooney on Tuesday 21 March 06 21:36 GMT (UK)

Hi Annie

Thanks for the welcome! I have only just discovered RootsChat following a visit to the recent BBC family history day. I have received some great help in my research from people on this site and I am so pleased to have found it.

My grandfather was not the person you found, he did not have such a high rank as major, I think he was a bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery! He did survive the war and did not have a second name.  I  think I have downloaded  his medical card, Its just that you can't be sure from the limited information contained on it. I gather there will be little chance of finding his war record. I will have to try and visit Kew to see if I can obtain his service record when he served in the army in the 1890's.

Thanks

Annie

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: Wendi on Tuesday 21 March 06 22:45 GMT (UK)

Quote from: anniezooney on Tuesday 21 March 06 21:36 GMT (UK)

I have only just discovered RootsChat following a visit to the recent BBC family history day.

Hi Annie

How did you find out about Rootschat at the Family History Day?.....and where was it, just interested to know if someone gave you a leaflet  ;D

Wendi

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: Wendi on Tuesday 21 March 06 22:49 GMT (UK)

Sorry to go on a bit, but was that his medal card you downloaded ??? you said Medical Card

Was his number 96858, it's just that if it was, there may be people here who can help  :D

Wendi

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: anniezooney on Wednesday 22 March 06 21:45 GMT (UK)

Hi Wendi

Sorry,  I meant medal card! - This is the trouble with only being able to reply in the evening after being at work all day, I am a bit bleary eyed! His number was 96858, if someone could help me with some information about him I would be very grateful.

I went to the BBC Family History day in Gloucester, RootsChat had a stand there.  A lady called Sue spent a long time talking to me about how RootsChat could well help me with my research. The name she uses on Roots Chat was an ancestors foreign surname, I think it started with Kaz?? I came straight home and joined! With the help from RootsChat I have already found that my greatgrandfather lived in America for many years after the family believed he died!

Annie

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: Keziahemm on Thursday 23 March 06 18:00 GMT (UK)

Hello Annie,

Really pleased that you decided to join us and also found your greatgrandfather had gone to America  ::)   

I don't delve into the military records but there are so many knowledgeable folk on here who will be able to help in your quest.

Good to talk to you again  ;D


Susan  (Keziahemm)  :)

Title: Re: Was he in the Somerset Light Infantry?
Post by: anniezooney on Saturday 25 March 06 09:36 GMT (UK)

Hi Susan

Thanks for your reply. I am really I spoke to you on the family history day and found RootsChat!

Regards

Annie