Wonder if someone can help please?
I have downloaded the medal card for my gt uncle Albert Edward Pinchin of the 1/5 Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regt. I already knew that he had died 4 Oct 1917, KIA F & F (possibly at The Battle of Broodseinde, given the date), memorial at Tyne Cot. He fought (and died) alongside his younger brother who was in the 1/7th Worcester Regt.
I have traced his battalion's movements in F & F as part of the South Midland Division (48th division), however his medal card surprisingly states that the first theatre of war he served in was (2b) Balkans on 13 July 1915. I can find no record that the 1/5 Bn. of the Royal Warks served in the Balkans or the Dardanelles, only F & F and later Italy. There is evidence that the 9 Bn Royal Warks did, but not Albert's battalion. Does anyone have any ideas? Is it possible that Albert was at first attached to the 9th Bn?
Also, the date given for entry to the theatre of war, 13/7/15 - is that the date Albert left British shores or the date he arrived in the Balkans? If it's the date he left Britain then it would tie in with the date (early Aug) that reinforcements arrived at Gallipoli.
Many thanks!
Julie
