Two male ancestors not registered in WW1 military records

[FidgeJ]

Two of my great grandfather's brothers would have been 26 and 17 when world war one began but I can't find either of them in the world war one records archive.
I can find my great grandad though.
I wondered if because one of his brothers was a vanman/driver on 1911 census that he may have been a reserved occupation.
The other was only a shop assistant so I assume he would have had to join up.

Anyone help me solve this?
I know its not my immediate relation but I still like to know 

[rayard]

Records for some of my relatives aren't available either.  They were probably burned during WW2 during an air-raid. 
Other Members will be able to give better details on this.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

About 70% of WW1 records were destroyed in the bombing in WW2;  if either of the men married or registered the birth of a child during WW1 then there's a good chance that the rank will be listed in the "occupation" column.

My gt.grandfather's death certificate of 1919 shows his occupation as " ex. Private, Labour Co" and also gives his service number.  His papers are among those that got partly damaged by the fire;  a bit singed round the edges but mainly readable!


Nanny Jan

[suey]

WW1 records are known as The Burnt Documents.  

I have seen 30% quoted somewhere but I believe less than 25% of the records actually survive.  So not surprising if you can't find your relatives.

[mmm45]

If you can post their names there MAY be other avenues If they went overseas there SHOULD be a Medal Index Card also there was Army,Navy,RAF and Royal Marines and Merchant Navy

Ady

[FidgeJ]

William Walter Fidgeon
Thomas Frederick Fidgeon
Both from Essex

[gortonboy]

there is a medal card for a William W Fidgeon on the National Archives site,,,,but these only give basic details,,,name,number,regiment and medals awarded,,so no way of knowing if hes yours,,,but cant be many ww fidgeons around ? 

Description:


Medal card of Fidgeon, William W

Hertfordshire Regiment

10302

Private

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

270204

Private

[John915]

Good evening,

If this is your man then he was still a serving soldier after the war. They didn't become the Beds and herts until 1919. I believe it's correct that from 1920 records are still with the MOD.

John915

[barryd]

If a person was a serviceman in 1918 and was still living at the time of the original registration to the Absent Voters List 1918 they should be on those lists. Where were your two soldiers from?  That should be the place to look for them. If found their name, number, rank and regiment should be on the lists.