ID of Regiment & Uniform. Possibly William Hunter b 1870, Northumberland

[Brosnooks]

Hello , Thank you for taking the time to reply.

May I ask a question? You refer to an album maybe not having the correct title. What album is this?

Regards

Susan

[Brosnooks]

Heard from MoD Glasgow. No luck. They hold records up to 1919. They suggested I search National Archives.

Well, have had a look and didn’t know where to start so have emailed National Archives and requested a quote to research. I think it’s going to be too expensive. Will keep you updated.

[MaxD]

Hate to say this but you won't get any luck there.  As you've now seen, Glasgow have records to 1919.  Kew will no doubt refer you to:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-soldiers-after-1913/  (note the reference on the third line to soldiers after 1918).

The listing of men with dates of birth before 1901 has been scoured, he isn't there.  The conclusion reached at the beginning, that his record was lost in WW2 (as were 60% of all Great War records) and that he doesn't have a medal record is by far the most likely scenario.

MaxD

[Brosnooks]

I think you are absolutely right. Ive always thought his records were destroyed in the Blitz. I think what I’ll do now is to email the Northumberland Fusiliers museum and ask if they would like his music book.

Now all that’s left is to try and work out who is in the photo.......

[MaxD]

I was just about to recommend an approach to the museum.

As far as I can tell there were only two  NF battalions still in Germany in November 1919.  These were the 51st and 52nd Graduated Battalions which in both cases became service battalions in early 1919 (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Northumberland_Fusiliers_battalions_in_World_War_I

and the museum may be able to make a connection with Unsere Haus Musik?  Worth asking?

Photo - now we are looking for an RAMC chap!

MaxD

[Brosnooks]

Hello

You were right about not doing a paid search with TNA. I got their reply and it confirmed everything you said. Sadly it looks as if they were lost during the bombing in WW2.

Next on the agenda is to contact the museum and ask if they would be happy to accept his music book. I’d always intended to donate it but thought I would get his military records....If they do accept his book, who knows what may arise.

[MaxD]

Do let us know if they are able to positively place him in a battalion.

MaxD

[Brosnooks]

My pleasure!