William James Covill Regiment East Surrey Regiment

[tonyfinn18]

Hi, I am looking for any information on the life and service after 1911, of a William James Covill born c1885 in Bexley. This is what I know of his service in WW1.
Name William J Covill

Regiment East Surrey Regiment

Rank Private

Regimental no.2811
31098

Medals received Victory and British Medal.

The story in the family is that he got gassed 3 times! During the war and never really recovers. I was told he died around 1945. However I think he may have died between 1920-30. Unfortunately i have not confirmed when he died or how. I was told he may have stayed at the star and garter home in Richmond. Bur they have no record of him.

This is what I know of him and his family. For most of his life the family lived in the Kingston area. His parents where Thomas Covill and Susan pryke. He had 4 brothers Ernest, Charles, Thomas, and Henry. He was married to Hettie Rose Coyle and had 2 children Ivy b1910 and Florence b1915.
I also think Williams brothers may have served and possibly even his farther. But I haven't confirmed this. Thanks for the help

[mmm45]

All I can add at present is he was discharged to pension and was issued a Silver War Badge as well as British War and Victory Medals

Cant see a record surving for him online
There is another Covill from Bexleys pension record wonder if they are related?



Ady

[forester]

Looking at FreeBMD, which is not necessarily complete, he was born September Quarter 1881, Dartford 2a 430.

The most likely death is June Quarter 1948, age 66, Bournemouth 6b 116.

Phil

[tonyfinn18]

That's great stuff thanks. I have seen his medal card on ancestry but it didn't mention the silver war badge. Is there a separate card/set of records for that? I googled the war badge and found it was awarded to people who got injured. Is that correct? If so it suggest the story of him getting gassed may be true
In the records you found does it give a date of when he was discharged?

[mmm45]

Hi if you look at his medal index card again you will see it says  "swb list " and some numbers
This list is researchable but you have to visit Kew or get a researcher as its not online...Ive had a few SWB look ups done its not that expensive if you want details PM me.
The SWB Roll look up should give dates of enlistment,discharge and reason
It WONT have any personal details.

Ady

[tonyfinn18]

hi i have now found the details on the swlist. Could any one help me with the infor in one section.
The section 'course of discharge (wounds or sicknes) and para of Kr '
states the following
sickness, para 398 (xvi) K.R
age 37 para, 2 (a) A.O. VI
what does this mean?
Thanks

[mmm45]

He was discharged as unfit due to consequences of sickness and was issued a silver war badge and pension.
He served overseas.
Enlisted Oct 1914 Discharged Nov 1918

Ady

[deco1131]

In 1911 William lived 4 doors down from his father in Kingston.  His wife's twin sister Daisy married in 1914.  My research suggests William and Hettie may have had 3 male children too, born 1914, 1917 and 1921.

[deco1131]

Oops, Daisy married in 1913, not 1914.  William married Esther in 1910.  His father Thomas died Oct 9, 1912, was buried Kingston Cemetery Oct 14 same year, so could not have served.  His youngest brother Henry was born at Croydon, 1896, so family arrived Kingston between then and 1901.