Albert (Alcwyn?) Colcombe, boxer

[Garethboxing]

Hi,
  I am trying to trace any information (date of birth, particularly) for an old boxer from the Rhondda called Albert Colcombe. I believe his first name may have Alcwyn or Alquin - there is an Alquin, whose birth was registered Apr-Jun 1898, and I have this youngster in the 1901 and 1911 Censuses (Alquin in the first, Alcwyn in the second - I guess that the Welsh spelling was the correct one, as his father would have filled in the 1911 form, though that would mean it was registered wrongly. )
   When he first appeared as a boxer, in 1917, he was described as Corporal Colcombe of the 3rd Welch Regiment and I was hoping military sources might be able to confirm his DoB and first name, but no joy so far.
   Can anyone help?
      Fingers crossed 
         Gareth

[km1971]

Hi Gareth

This probably him - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=2024201&queryType=1&resultcount=4

An expert in the numbering of the Welsh Regiment on a site such as the Great War Forum may be able to tell you when he joined. If he went overseas in 1914 or 1915 it will say so on his medal card.

His service record does not appear to have survived WW2 bombing, so I doubt if there are any military records that will help you.

Ken

[Garethboxing]

Thanks, Ken.
   It's interesting to see he is listed as a private. One of his fight results saw him named as Pte Colcombe, but most (including some prior to the Pte one  ) were as Cpl. Could he have been an Acting Corporal at some stage, or does the medal card use of Private merely refer to his rank at the start?
    Gareth

[km1971]

Hi Gareth

I think I read somewhere that the naming on the British War Medal and Victory Medal reflects his rank on 11 November 1918. And if he won a star it was at the time he embarked for a theatre of war.

But not certain. Someone on GWF will know.

Ken

[k33fyk]

Alcwyn Colcombe. Fought as Albert Colcome. He was 15 when he joined the Welsh Regiment, & went to war. DOB 01/01/1899. fighting at the Battle of Mons. he was awarded the red star & indeed was also a MBE. He made the rank of Lance CPL. He had 83 pro fights, was Bantam weight champion from 1922/25 Jimmy wilde avoided him in the ring, causing an argument that spilled over outside of a pub, which saw Albert knock Jimmy out. He trained in a room at the back of the Tylers Hotel, there were many pictures of him boxing hung up on the walls, as the Hotel was later knocked down those pictures must still be out there. As his grandson, i am trying to get a copy of his boxing Licence & also am looking for pictures. Hope this post helps.