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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: dask on Wednesday 08 February 12 09:29 GMT (UK)
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The two documents I attach relate to my grandfather James Morgan Kelly. He served with the Royal Irish Rifles in WW1 having first joined the army in April 1911 (Royal Irish Fusiliers) he switched in August 1911 to the RIR. He was part of the BEF. He was wounded according to the documents but I do not understand most of what is written as the handwriting is military speak.
If anyone could tell me what it means I would greatly appreciate this.
dask
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Hi,
On the second form I can see "Wounded in action. GSW (gunshot wound) leg."
Nanny Jan
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My interpretation of the first form:
Embarked 13/8/14 (This should also be on his medal index card).
To Base; 2/9/14
With Battalion; B Company; 23/9/15; Roll
Granted leave from 7/9/15 to 14/9/15
10 days Field Punishment No.2 for Absent off leave; In the Field; 4/3/16
Absent from 29/2/16 to 1/3/16 = 2 days
With Battalion; 14/3/17; Roll
Leave to UK; Field; 20/2/18 to 7/3/18
Rejoined B Company; Field; 9/3/18
The from whom received column is Officer Commanding Battalion.
The Officer Commanding Regiment cancelled his charge of absent without leave.
Phil
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Forester and Nanny Jan,
Many thanks for this. My brother was unaware that our grandfarther had a gun shot wound. He was always led to believe that it had been a bayonet wound. I have my grandfather's military conduct sheet which also details a flippant disregard for rules etc as indicated by the field punishment.
Can you tell me what 'Roll' signifies?
I got the military index card and it gives the same embarkation date of 13/08/14. I have other documents that are equally as difficult to understand as those I put up earlier. I may put these up to see if people could translate them as someday I would like to take a trip over to France with my wife and daughter to show that history to them.
Again, I am very much obliged to the both of you.
Derek
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Hi,
I knew GSW as my gt.uncle had one; the rest I will leave to the experts. :)
Nanny Jan
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Derek,
Think of Roll Call. It means no more than he was there.
A bit more on the other sheet, despite the very scruffy writing:
He was wounded in action on 6/9/18. Gun shot wound, right leg, severe. First to 109 Field Ambulance, then 108 Field Ambulance.
To 83 General Hospital, Bolougne on 7/9/18.
Joined Base, at Havre on 3/11/18
Rejoined B Company on 11/11/18
Leave 19/12/18 to 2/1/19
Demobilised and struck off the strength ( of the Regiment) 2/1/19
That's my reading of it.
Phil
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Phil, this is brilliant!
I know from readings that there were a number of hospitals in the Boulogne area. Do you think it possible to locate were 83 General Hospital stood? Probably now a supermarket but would be nice to walk it.
Was reading the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles in the Great War and for 6th September 1918 the author says the War Diary states the following 'By 3.30pm 6th September, 1918 half an hour before Zero the troops were in position. Three Companies in the Firing Line: A, B, C 2nd R. I. Rifles...' The reference to B Company supports your reading of these documents which is brilliant. The War Diary goes on to mention a crater called U.I.a, a Mortar Farm near N.36.d and a Trench system called T.6.b. Is it possible to make out references to these? I must have a look at the other documents I have, which are equally written scruffily, and post them. Your understanding of them is invaluable.
Am very obliged,
Derek
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Derek,
It's just a question of finding the relevant trench maps. Is there a sheet number, as that is only a partial reference? I'm afraid my WW1 chronology and topography is limited.
Phil
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Derek,
It's taken ages to find, but this is an extract from the trench map that shows Mortar Farm and the trenches, although this is earlier (March 1917).
http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Messines%20March%2017.jpg
This one is dated September 1918, but clips square T:
http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Messines%20Sept.%201918.jpg
Here's a link to the first page of extracts. Croonaert's site is well worth book marking:
http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Trenchmap%20extracts.htm
Also another map image on this web page that shows the crater at Ontario Farm:
http://www.martlet-books.co.uk/bible.htm
Phil
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Phil, this is amazing. Looked at the links you gave me; the book about the Royal Irish Rifles quoting from the War Diary for 6th September 1918 states that N.36.d was in Mortar Farm. It appears on the first link you sent me to the left with names like Nutmeg and Ugly within. Directly below is Boyle's Farm which is also mentioned in the War Diary for that date with trench T.6.b being referred to. Essentially appears to be the area were the bible was found. Absolutely delighted with this information.
If you ever need any assistance locating anything in Ireland let me know and I will do my utmost to return the favour.
Can not thank you enough for this...
Derek
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James morgan kelly is of personal interest to me, but cannot figure out how to private message. Would like to get in touch Derek - please pm me if you know how. Thanks
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You need to make three posts before you can use the PM service. When you have just click on a member's name and one of the options is to send a PM.
Ken
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Thanks Ken.