REGINALD BUCKNALL

[BGB]

Family lore has it that Reginald Bucknall (born 1893) was shot for desertion in WW1. But a check on the names of the 306 executed does not reveal this soldier. No death certificate for a Reginald Bucknall, neither civilian nor military, was issued 1914-1920.
A very recent discovery within the family is Reginald may have enlisted under an assumed name. But again, there is no Reginald in the 306. He may, of course, given himself another christian name.
Also it is said, again recently, that Reginald may have died in England while in the army as a consequence of an accident.
His family lived in Darlington and it seems logical to suppose that if he joined the army he would enlist in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).
I'd like to ensure his name goes on a war memorial.
Has anyone any bright ideas, please?
BGB

[jackandtom]

I have looked up your man on the Ancestry website in their military records and on findmypast website and the National Archives. There is no record in the name of Reginald Bucknall. There is nt any record of a death on the CWGC website either. He may well have changed his name as you suggested. Sorry.

Regards jackandtom

[neil1821]

Hi there,

Also it is said, again recently, that Reginald may have died in England while in the army as a consequence of an accident.

If he died in England, his death will be recorded in the usual way. So you should be looking for a death certificate as you would for any civilian.

His family lived in Darlington and it seems logical to suppose that if he joined the army he would enlist in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).

Of course he could have joined the DLI, but that's not an assumption you can make at the moment. He could have joined just about any regiment in the army.

A very recent discovery within the family is Reginald may have enlisted under an assumed name. But again, there is no Reginald in the 306. He may, of course, given himself another christian name.

If he enlisted under a completely assumed name, then I can't see how you tackle this. Where do you start looking unless you know the name?  

I'd like to ensure his name goes on a war memorial.

Well of course if he took an assumed name he could easily be on one already, we just don't know it!

I think you have to start by looking at all the usual records for the name you have, Reginald Bucknall. Have you looked at the MICs for example?

[neil1821]

Here's one to start you off, a Reginald Bucknell:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=1695139&queryType=1&resultcount=2

[BGB]

Thank you for your comments - I have checked death records - there are none, military or civilian.
I am aware of the Reginald Bucknell in the DLI. It might be him and I will check this although his address is not apparent on the Ancestry Co. web-site so a visit to Kew will be necessary. But I have recently been given to understand by a nearer relative that he died in England during WW1 so if he had he would not be receiving medals! So Reginald Bucknell is unlikely to be the right Reginald.
If he enlisted under an assumed name which now seems likely(and the reason may have been to avoid being pursued by his family) I thought he might just have retained his christian name. But it seems not.
I think the next step (after R Bucknell) will be to try to find out if there were any executions by the army in England. This might help narrow down the possible names.
What, by the way please, are MICs?
BGB

[neil1821]

What, by the way please, are MICs?

Medal Index Cards, as in the example given above or as found on Ancestry.

But I have recently been given to understand by a nearer relative that he died in England during WW1 so if he had he would not be receiving medals!

If he never served abroad at all during WW1 then he wouldn't receive campaign medals, correct.
However, dying in England doesn't square with being shot for desertion. Treat all family stories with a healthy dose of skepticism until proven.

[BGB]

The reason I am picking this one up now is:-
1.My late uncle (a former professor of metallurgy so a competent man) told me he had heard the execution story from a great aunt (the aunt also of Reginald) in the 1920s.
2.The other day I heard from Reginald's great niece (as a consequence of RootsChat) that Reginald had been killed by an accident in England while in the army. She had also heard Reginald had enlisted under an assumed name.
So, quite clearly on the grounds there is no smoke without fire, we have a mystery.
Thank you for your interest.
BGB

[jackandtom]

Have you tried posting this topic on the Great War Forum website, there are some very knowledgable people on that site who may very well be able to help you to pursue your research further, and to advise you what to do next. I do recommend this website.

Regards jackandtom

[BGB]

Dear jackandtom
Thank you for your suggestion of the Great War Forum website. I'll give it a try.
Regards
BGB