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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Stangat on Tuesday 26 April 11 17:14 BST (UK)

Title: Died in South Africa 1917
Post by: Stangat on Tuesday 26 April 11 17:14 BST (UK)

Hi All

I've just found another relative who unfortunately was killed in WW1.

He was George Ledrew, from Hull, a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and died 3/6/1917.

One record for him indicates "Formerley 228, 1st Hull, Hvy Bty, RGA".

Could someone enlighten me to what this means and also what fighting was there in South Africa?

I'm ashamed to say I can't remember reading of fighting that far south.

Thanks as always

Ian

Title: Re: Died in South Africa 1917
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 26 April 11 23:51 BST (UK)

He is listed as being with the 158th Battery, which was fighting, I believe,  in the East African Campaign.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_African_Campaign_%28World_War_I%29

The details of the cemetery suggests that a number of people who are buried there died at the military hospital. Which would suggest that he was wounded or became ill, and then was evacuated to South Africa.

K

Title: Re: Died in South Africa 1917
Post by: km1971 on Wednesday 27 April 11 08:01 BST (UK)

Quote from: Stangat on Tuesday 26 April 11 17:14 BST (UK)

One record for him indicates "Formerley 228, 1st Hull, Hvy Bty, RGA".

Hi Ian

From the 1914 Army List:

1st Hull were part of the RGA (TF), ie Territorial Force. So they were part time soldiers. There was 4 companies in Hull, part of the East Riding Group of the RGA (for Defended Ports). HQ of the four companies was in Park Street, Hull. The Group HQ comprised an Hon Colonel, Major, Adjutant, two Medical Officers and a Chaplain. Each company comprised a Captain and three Lt/2nd Lieutenants.

228 will be his number. The TF started in 1908, replacing the Volunteers. They would have attended one evening a week (un-paid) and undertaken a two week annual training for which they would have been paid.

Have you found a WW1 medal card for him? If he did not receive the 1914-15 Star he may have received the Territorial Force (War) Medal - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/medals.asp

Ken

Title: Re: Died in South Africa 1917
Post by: Jebber on Wednesday 27 April 11 12:37 BST (UK)

The 158th were first in East Africa, 8 February 1916 

Here is his death registration
LEDREW, George Unit:  Royal Garrison Artillery  Rank:  Gnr.  Number:  290219 Year:  1917 Vol. A.5  P.  221 

His medal card shows only the Victory Medal.

Jebber