Regimental Number

[topo]

While looking for my great uncle I found his medal  roll (the only document that seems to survive. William Sparkes was a sapper in the RE amnd this regimental number states 2.256578 which seems to be standard army format and WR269149. Can anyone explain what the second number represents?

Stuart

[kmart66]

Hi

If a soldier served in the war for any length of time he might have been transferred to different battalions or regiments. This would likely have been the result of a requirement for drafts of men into other units which had suffered casualties in action. If this was so, he might have at least two or even three regiment designations and a different regimental number for each transfer.

Kevin

[topo]

Thanks for that info. Do you have any idea what units used the gesignation WR

[kmart66]

Hi

WR = Royal Engineers Waterways and Railways


Kevin

[apwright]

WR also covered Road and Quarry companies. In topo's case, however, the WR/26... number suggests a Railway company, but I don't think it's possible to tell which one.
 
Some similar numbers from the pension records:
WR/269118 - 22nd Light Railway Operating Coy
WR/269152 - 261st Railway Construction Coy
WR/269237 - 21st Light Railway Train Crews Coy
WR/269331 - 9th Light Railway Operating Coy

Did he work on the railways before/after the war?

Adrian

[topo]

This info will give me another area to search. He was shown on the 1911 census as a hotel manager in the premises owned by his mother. I don't know what he did after 1918 until the 1950s when I remember being taken to visit his at the Travellers Rest in Newcastle which he owned/managed.

I was under the impression that he was in the pub trade all his life.

Once again thanks for your help, no dougbt i'll be back for me info in the future.

Stuart