3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

[adriennelawrence]

Hi

My grandfather and younger brother enlisted in 1916 in N/ctle, aged 20 and 18, into the 3rd battalion, which I have just read remained in the Uk during WW1. If they were both coal miners would they perhaps have been persuaded to join this battalion so they could continue mining.
At some point they both 'transferred' to the Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) 9th battalion, just wondering why this regiment, its a long way from South Shields.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated

Adrienne

[KGarrad]

The 3rd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers was a Reserve Battalion - a training unit.
They would have been conscripted/transferred to whatever regiments needed more men!

http://www.1914-1918.net/northfus.htm
http://www.1914-1918.net/royalfus.htm

See also http://www.1914-1918.net/12div.htm
The division suffered almost 11000 casualties in 1916 Battles of the Somme.
Hence the need for reinforcements.

[adriennelawrence]

Hi
Many thanks for your quick response. Directing me to www.1914-1918 net/northfus.htm. it has proved very helpful and answered many questions which I was preparing to ask you.