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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: DISCLOSE on Monday 05 September 11 15:18 BST (UK)
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Hi,
I am trying to determine the battalion my Grandpa John Wallace Worsdall served under and then it's history, though I really should just determine his Military history. He was born 1898 and joined under age (family History?) and lost his right arm during the war. We do not have the Silver War badge (SWB).
During WWII he was a 2nd Lt in the homeguard and from his ID photo we saw he had two Medal ribbons 'Squeak' (British War Medal) and 'Wilfred' Victory Medal. Suddenly the Medal record I purchased made sense. He was not awarded 'Pip'. Useful info as this may narrow down the Battalion he served in, not sure.
So does the 4 in 41064 indicate 4th Battalion?
Has anyone else any info willing to share?
M.
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This John Worsdall did not go overseas before the beginning of 1916 (no Star awarded).
If you can access Ancestry, check to see if his service record has survived, but be aware that about 70% were destroyed. If there is no service record, try finding men with similar numbers. That will at least give you some idea when he joined. The actual medal rolls at Kew should give you his battalion.
What I cannot see is any mention of the SWB, which may be on another card, but not usually.
If I had to make a guess, I would say that he was a late 1917 reinforcement, possibly to 1/5th Battalion. That is based purely on the half a dozen casualties on SDGW with similar numbers.
Phil
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Thank you. Unfortunately I do not have the funds for paying to get my own families records.
But your reply is very helpful.
Cheers
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I would suggest you contact:
Staffordshire Regimental Museum
Whittington Barracks
Lichfield
WS14 9PY
They are a mine of useful information. I do have the telephone number if you want it.
If you live in England then you can access the Ancestry records at your local library for free.
BumbleB