Albert Godwin - 6th Bn. East Surreys and Middlesex Regt

[goddo]

My Grandfather Albert John Alliston Godwin (b 1878) served initially in the 6th Bn East Surrey Regt - we have two photos showing their distinctive cap badge. But his medal roll card shows him as a Sgt. in the Middx. Regt.No 235372. He had the British War medal and the Victory medal but neither of the Stars, so presumably he didn't go abroad until 1916 or 17. How do I find out which Bn. of the Middx Regt he was in and when he went abroad? The reference alongside his medals is E/1/102B41 page 6973. What info am I likely to get by visiting Kew? He was apparently gassed but managed to last until he was 77. Any help much appreciated.

[mmm45]

Doesn't help when he's transcribed as Arthur on ancestry....your man is a Territorial Soldier didn't go overseas till  after Jan 1916 so could be one of the second line battalions eg 2/7 th etc
Number block is a 7th Batt one so 1/7th or 2/7th however 2/7th was disbanded in France due to typhus so could have been retasked to another batt....

He wasnt discharged with pension

Ady

[goddo]

Thanks very much for info. Do you think it would be worth going to the National Archives at Kew to see if they've got any more? It would be quite easy for me as my son doesn't live far away.

Peter

[mmm45]

If he has a record it will be on ancestry or burned in the blitz.....he was a sergeant do you think he may have had pre war soldiering experience? If so find my past may have a pre1915 record
Theres an Albert Godwin born Middlesex circa 1887 on Find My past militia records or Albert Godwin born C1878 at Stroud ?

Ady

[goddo]

My Grandfather Albert was born in Winchester. In 1911 he was an insurance agent in Tonbridge. Not sure when he joined the Territorials but presumably on or about the outbreak of war, so probably not going to find out anything more.

Thanks for your help. Peter.

[newburychap]

Thanks very much for info. Do you think it would be worth going to the National Archives at Kew to see if they've got any more? It would be quite easy for me as my son doesn't live far away.

Peter

A visit to TNA is always worthwhile!

In this case you could look at the medal rolls (referenced on the index card).  These usually show the soldier's battalion.

You could also check out the war diary for the 39th MG Battalion and see what they went through on and around the day of his death.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C7354194

[goddo]

Might pop into the NA if I'm in the area then. Thanks