Help: Court Martialled & Missing in UK, Capt: Albert Edward Harrison AIF

[Redroger]

Ian, My recollection is that John (JDS) did this work. Hope he spots the posting, but if not perhaps a PM might be helpful.
Roger

[Craven-Harrison]

Roger, thanks

I've got some more on this issue and will post soon

cheers

Ian

[Redroger]

Will wait for it Ian.

[jds1949]

Dear Ian & Roger,

Back after a short break...As far as I can recall Alfred Ernest Harrison's file did not include his original attestation - but I shall check it when I go to Kew sometime next week. I shall endeavour to answer your other queries at that time as well.

jds1949

[Craven-Harrison]

Dear Jds1949,

Welcome back, could I please ask your advice?

I've attached a couple of documents that relate to Alfred Ernest Harrison of the Beds and Herts for your diagnosis please

The first one is a listing of vitals for who I believe Alfred Ernest is. The list defines his history and references cited for his Commission. Could you please confirm that info generally aligns with the details that you saw at the Archives for this man.


The second document is from the same record set of AEH-Bed-Herts and is either there because it relates to Alfred or is there by accident. It relates to an AE Harris who was  originally thought to be a Harrison and then direction to transfer from KRRC to MGC infantry. Then his name doesn't appear in the Army List and also that his name is incorrectly formed

can you please confirm that you have or haven't seen this particular document in the Alfred E Harrison file at the Archives. If not, we might be  talking about different records and possibly a different men??

I also have some concerns about the date you identified for Alfred's Commission being June 19th 1918 I have him Commissioned on 19/12/1916, its quite possible that I have something confused

What's your take on this?

Thanks

Ian

[jds1949]

Ian,

The document setting out the history of Alfred Ernest of the Norfolk & Beds / Herts Regiments would seem to relate pretty much to the file that I saw at the NA. I will do a more detailed check when I go back next week and list any discrepancies that I can find. I shall also try to confirm the date of his commission.

I do not recall seeing the second document relating to Harris/Harrison - but again I will check next week.

It's a tempting possibility that AEH simply dropped the last two letters of his surname - we'll know more when I've had a chance to chase it up next week - until then I'm not going to commit myself one way or the other.

Regards,

jds1949
 

[Redroger]

Yes; it would almost be too easy, but could well be what actually happened. Keep us all posted please.

[Craven-Harrison]

Dear Roger and JDS1949,

I've been researching the latest man and it appears that although his hallmarks look a bit dodgie with several issues attracting attention, it appears that he is, who he say's he is, albeit that his records are missing and what remains is combined accidentally into another man's file. It turns out that I mentioned him a couple of weeks ago and he has previously surfaced twice from different sources, His Medal card and the Gazzette.
Not surprising I guess...!

I've included his vitals, they might be required in a later investigation to dismiss another anomaly. If you see something that I've missed please give me a prodding...!

Medal Index card:
Harris Alfred Edward
KRRC L/Cpl Tr/13/G21G
MGC 2ndL/t
Victory and British medals issued Off/227/55e 1.VX/1117d/6.7.22NW/6/20875
No Trace of Rank or Service
Deceased 02/07/1918
Theatre of war first served in France
Date of Entry   06/06/1918
Father appliedfor medals 06/03/1922
Father WB Harris Esq 254 Wellingborough Rd Northhampton

London Gazette:
Supplement to the London Gazette: 2015
Date of Entry: 13/02/1918
T2ndL/t AE Harris From Serv Batt to KRRif
To be 2ndL/t with seniority 26/04/1917
Date of occurrence: 20/12/1917


Details from the Minute sheet: Contained within the Alfred Ernest Harrison of Beds & Herts fame.
•   (To NSK): Please transfer to MGC (infantry) 20/12/1917
•   T2ndL/t AE Harris KRRC (From AG9)  12/01/17 (might be meant to be 12/01/18)
•   (To AG9) can you say where this Officers name is to be found in the Army list please?  (from Aus19)  22/01/1918
•   (To NSK)  We regret name was wrongly described in list 1. It should be T2ndL/t AE Harris KRRC (From AG) 23/01/1918
•   Submitted 02/02/1918 (fromMMB)

Commonwealth war Graves Commission:
HARRIS, ALFRED EDWARD
Initials:   A E
Nationality:   United Kingdom
Rank:   Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service:   Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Unit Text:   12th Bn.
Age:   21
Date of Death:   02/07/1918
Additional information:   Son of William B. Harris, of Abington Works, Wellingborough Rd., Northampton.

He was only 21 years of age and lasted only a month in France......!!

[jds1949]

Ian,

thanks for the update - that saves me from duplicating your effort next week

jds1949