Assistance deciphering military record

[dask]

The two documents I attach relate to my grandfather James Morgan Kelly. He served with the Royal Irish Rifles in WW1 having first joined the army in April 1911 (Royal Irish Fusiliers) he switched in August 1911 to the RIR. He was part of the BEF. He was wounded according to the documents but I do not understand most of what is written as the handwriting is military speak.

If anyone could tell me what it means I would greatly appreciate this.

dask

[nanny jan]

Hi,

On the second form I can see  "Wounded in action.  GSW (gunshot wound) leg."


Nanny Jan

[forester]

My interpretation of the first form:

Embarked 13/8/14 (This should also be on his medal index card).

To Base; 2/9/14

With Battalion; B Company; 23/9/15; Roll

Granted leave from 7/9/15 to 14/9/15

10 days Field Punishment No.2 for Absent off leave; In the Field; 4/3/16

Absent from 29/2/16 to 1/3/16 = 2 days

With Battalion; 14/3/17; Roll

Leave to UK; Field; 20/2/18 to 7/3/18
Rejoined B Company; Field; 9/3/18


The from whom received column is Officer Commanding Battalion.

The Officer Commanding Regiment cancelled his charge of absent without leave.

Phil   

[dask]

Forester and Nanny Jan,

Many thanks for this. My brother was unaware that our grandfarther had a gun shot wound. He was always led to believe that it had been a bayonet wound. I have my grandfather's military conduct sheet which also details a flippant disregard for rules etc as indicated by the field punishment.

Can you tell me what 'Roll' signifies?

I got the military index card and it gives the same embarkation date of 13/08/14. I have other documents that are equally as difficult to understand as those I put up earlier. I may put these up to see if people could translate them as someday I would like to take a trip over to France with my wife and daughter to show that history to them.

Again, I am very much obliged to the both of you.

Derek

[nanny jan]

Hi,

I knew GSW as my gt.uncle had one;  the rest I will leave to the experts.   


Nanny Jan

[forester]

Derek,

Think of Roll Call. It means no more than he was there.

A bit more on the other sheet, despite the very scruffy writing:

He was wounded in action on 6/9/18. Gun shot wound, right leg, severe. First to 109 Field Ambulance, then 108 Field Ambulance.

To 83 General Hospital, Bolougne on 7/9/18.

Joined Base, at Havre on 3/11/18
Rejoined B Company on 11/11/18

Leave 19/12/18 to 2/1/19

Demobilised and struck off the strength ( of the Regiment) 2/1/19

That's my reading of it.

Phil

[dask]

Phil, this is brilliant!

I know from readings that there were a number of hospitals in the Boulogne area. Do you think it possible to locate were 83 General Hospital stood? Probably now a supermarket but would be nice to walk it.

Was reading the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles in the Great War and for 6th September 1918 the author says the War Diary states the following 'By 3.30pm 6th September, 1918 half an hour before Zero the troops were in position. Three Companies in the Firing Line: A, B, C 2nd R. I. Rifles...' The reference to B Company supports your reading of these documents which is brilliant. The War Diary goes on to mention a crater called U.I.a, a Mortar Farm near N.36.d and a Trench system called T.6.b. Is it possible to make out references to these? I must have a look at the other documents I have, which are equally written scruffily, and post them. Your understanding of them is invaluable.

Am very obliged,

Derek 

[forester]

Derek,

It's just a question of finding the relevant trench maps. Is there a sheet number, as that is only a partial reference? I'm afraid my WW1 chronology and topography is limited.

Phil

[forester]

Derek,

It's taken ages to find, but this is an extract from the trench map that shows Mortar Farm and the trenches, although this is earlier (March 1917).

http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Messines%20March%2017.jpg

This one is dated September 1918, but clips square T:

http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Messines%20Sept.%201918.jpg

Here's a link to the first page of extracts. Croonaert's site is well worth book marking:

http://www.pathsofglory.co.uk/Trenchmap%20extracts.htm

Also another map image on this web page that shows the crater at Ontario Farm:

http://www.martlet-books.co.uk/bible.htm

Phil