WW1 Medal Record Hugh B Barlow

[Cathymjp]

Hi,

I am assisting a friend to investigate the war records of his family.  There is a medal record for Hugh but sadly does not appear to be a service record.  Hugh served with the Northumerland Fusiliers and his reg no. was 48008 (Private)

Under Remarks - Dis 392XvI (I think)

SWB list 0/4639/1

Also listed Victory and British medal

Would any of this information tell me which battalion he served in?

Thank you

Cathy

[forester]

Hello Cathy,

He was discharged due to sickness or wounds. King's Regulations Para 392 (xvi).

The Silver War Badge Rolls should tell you when he enlisted, when he was discharged and his battalion, but, like the other medal rolls, they are only available at Kew.

Phil

[Cathymjp]

Hi Phil,

Thank you for the information.  It looks like a visit to Kew.  I must admit I have never heard of the Silver War Badge Records before.  This might help me with some research of my own.

With thanks

Cathy

[Cathymjp]

I have now been given a picture of Hugh in uniform, his discharge certificate dated 23rd September 1919 and a very nice tapestry with his medals which he made whilst recovering from his wounds in a hospital in Liverpool.

His family would like to know more about the Northumberland Fusiliers role in WW1.  However, on looking at his cap badge when I type in his regiment the badge shown does not look like the one in the photograph.  Could someone please help to identify it please.


Am I right in thinking this photograph was taken early on in the war.  Someone told me that the brow bands on the caps had to be amended as when they reflected they made a target for the enemy.  Hugh's cap band seems to be an early one to me.  Also his amunition belt looks as if it might be made of leather - again something that was altered during the war to canvas.

I have not managed to visit Kew yet to consult the Silver War Badge Rolls mentioned by Phil, so do not know when he enrolled.


Thank you

Cathy

[ainslie]

Royal Artillery.  The visible bandolier also points to RA.

[Cathymjp]

Hi Ainslie,

Thank you for identifying the badge for me.

Having looked at the tapestry closely and the cap badge, the tapestry shows a gun emblem and is in fact the Royal Artillery cap badge including latin motto.

However, the discharge certificate and the medal record say the Northumberland Fusiliers  - has he been in both regiments?

Cathy

[ainslie]

The photo looks as though it was taken early in his service - cap very stiff, and collar tailored [privately, for smartness].  Once in the field the cap would lost its stiffener, and the tunic would not look so pressed!
I do not know about chinstraps [I think brow bands are on horses!] and shininess.
Are you sure you have the right medal index card for Hugh?  Usually a transfer will show up on the card.
Did he survive the war?
Depending on where he lived, he may be listed, with details of his  unit, on the Absent Voters List at his home town.  Some survive, other, as in Liverpool, do not.  The survivors may be at a local authority office or main library.

[Cathymjp]

Hi Ainslie,

You are absolutely right about having the right Hugh - I do have the right Hugh but having just done some back research he had a brother called Reginald George Barlow who served in the Royal Artillery so we are in fact dealing with two brothers.  The tapestry and picture are Reginald George - I can just make out the writing on one of the medals and his regimental number.  The family obviously do not know this so there is one mystery solved.

Only the discharge certifcate relates to Hugh.

I have downloaded his Reginald's medal record.

+with three dots  R.F.A./219B 23846 - Victory
Ditto - British

15 Star R2a/8AB 5988

Theatre of war first served in 1.  France
Date of entry therein 12.06.1915


Under remarks

R.F.A/219B enclo 4A(shows Reventie?) F.G.C.A. 25.07.1915 (what does this mean)?

Both brothers survived the war I think.

Thanks for your help Ainslie

Cathy

[mmm45]

Reginald G Barlow was reverted(busted) from bombardier (Cpl) to gunner by A Field General Courts Martial (FGCM)on the date 25/7/15

Looks like he must have got in trouble over something?
More intrigue for you 

Ady