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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: adriennelawrence on Wednesday 15 January 14 21:41 GMT (UK)

Title: 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Post by: adriennelawrence on Wednesday 15 January 14 21:41 GMT (UK)

Hi

My grandfather and younger brother enlisted in 1916 in N/ctle, aged 20 and 18, into the 3rd battalion, which I have just read remained in the Uk during WW1. If they were both coal miners would they perhaps have been persuaded to join this battalion so they could continue mining.
At some point they both 'transferred' to the Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) 9th battalion, just wondering why this regiment, its a long way from South Shields.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated

Adrienne

Title: Re: 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Post by: KGarrad on Wednesday 15 January 14 23:05 GMT (UK)

The 3rd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers was a Reserve Battalion - a training unit.
They would have been conscripted/transferred to whatever regiments needed more men!

http://www.1914-1918.net/northfus.htm
http://www.1914-1918.net/royalfus.htm

See also http://www.1914-1918.net/12div.htm
The division suffered almost 11000 casualties in 1916 Battles of the Somme.
Hence the need for reinforcements.

Title: Re: 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Post by: adriennelawrence on Friday 17 January 14 22:46 GMT (UK)

Hi
Many thanks for your quick response. Directing me to www.1914-1918 net/northfus.htm. it has proved very helpful and answered many questions which I was preparing to ask you.