H.Scarlett (WW1 Soldier) - Who is he?

[Tom 23]

Hello,

I am trying to assist an acquaintance, with finding out any information about a soldier, who served with the 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment from 1916-1923, a Mr H.Scarlett.  His post WW1 service, was with the North Russia Relief Force.

We only have the first initial of his first name and regimental number, which is 5608314.

With the information we have, the only confirmed record that I could find that is linked to him, is on the Military Discharges Index (1920-1971), which provided his date of birth as being 28/12/1897, however despite having this useful information I have not been able to find him on any censuses, 1939 register, date of death etc.

Thank you.

[AllanUK]

I can't find a medal card for an H Scarlett that served with the Devonshire Regiment - this would indicate that if he was in the Army for the latter part of WW1 then he did not serve overseas.

The service number that you have quoted is a seven digit service number - such numbers where issued by the Army in 1920 onwards.

[jim1]

A post war service record would include more than just an initial.
These records are held by the MOD & can only be obtained from them.
Is this what your friend has?
If it is it would be unusual not to include previous service.

[Tom 23]

Thank you very much for the replies and useful information.

In reply to jim1 - he only has a photo and a brief letter with no identifying info, other than it is signed H.Scarlett, with his regiment and service number, as mentioned in my original post.

[jim1]

There's no birth registered in England/Wales for an H. Scarlett Dec. 1897/Mar. 1898
which is probably why you can't find him on the census.
1921 Irish or Scottish census maybe.

[ShaunJ]

The year of birth might be out by a couple of years. We only know that he told the army he was born in 1897.

[AllanUK]

I did a search on the 1939 register with DOB 1897 +/- 2 years and nothing came up.

[jim1]

Anyone with access to the 1921 census?

[AllanUK]

Anyone with access to the 1921 census?

There is a Harry Scarlett recorded as being born in 1897, Hull.

Details:-

4, St Leonard's Road, Sculcoates, Yorkshire

John Harry Scarlett - Head - 47 years - Grocers Shop Inspector, Hull Cooperative Society Ltd

Ada Mary Scarlett - Wife - 47 years

Harry Scarlett - Son - 24 years - Iron Turner Out Of Work, Messrs Amos & Smith Ltd