Regimental Identification

[Old Bristolian]

I hope someone may be able to help with the attached photos. Family tradition reports that they are both of Gunner John Williams 79034 RFA who served 1915-1916 and was killed at the Somme on July 1st 1916. Can anyone identify the regiments from the badges/uniform & do the spurs indicate that horses were ridden (presumably in an ammunition supply train)? Personally I think that they are of two different people, probably brothers. The better authenticated photo clearly shows two stripes, but I think John Williams never rose above the rank of Gunner

Steve

[old rowley]

Hi Steve,

Going by the cap badges both were serving in the Royal Artillery. The one on the right being a Bombadier.

old rowley

[atom12]

Hi Steve

The two soldiers look like they could be related as there are similarities, ie,  height and eyes in particular. If they are photos of the same person, we might need more information of where they came from. However, going on the information given, here is your Gunner:

[Old Bristolian]

Thanks Old Rowley & Atom

Especially for the Military record - I now have a place of birth which had eluded me before. Am I right in thinking that the soldier on the right cannot be a Gunner because of the stripes, or is terminology in the RFA not that simple?

Steve

[atom12]

  Hi Steve

A Gunner is the lowest rank in the Artillery, his equivalent is a Private soldier in the Infantry.

A Bombadier is two ranks up from a Gunner, the equivalent to a Corporal in the Infantry, thus his two stripes.

Perhaps you will have to dig a little deeper.  The Bombadier might be a relative, such as a cousin, or perhaps he was just a mate of John's. Also, without a name, we can't tell if he survived, or not.

Anne

[liverpool annie]

You probably have this already but just in case ........

In Memory of

Gunner JOHN WILLIAMS

79034, 56th Div. Ammunition Col., Royal Field Artillery

attd. "Y" 56th Trench Mortar Bty.

who died age 22

on 01 July 1916

Son of Ellen Williams, of 11, Tai Newydd, Brynsiencyn, Llanfairpwllgwyngll, Anglesley, and the late John Williams.

Remembered with honour

Annie

[tisgrannie]

Hi Annie I just wondered why it said born Tremierchion. But mother in Anglesey.
just curious. I guess Mother moved.
regards
tisgrannie

[tisgrannie]

Hi Annie. Is the transposed number a typo?
tis

[liverpool annie]

Well Tis ! ..... now I don't know !! 

Here's the medal card ! ......... seems to me - the same person ...... maybe one of the guys can work it out !!

Medal card of Williams, John

Royal Field Artillery
79034
Bombardier
Royal Field Artillery
79034
Gunner
Date
1914-1920

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