My grandad's medals state he served with the Liverpool regiment but his demob slip (the only record of his service I have) states he was initially with 3/2 London District Cyclist Brigade. Can anyone tell me about this particular cyclist brigade? I can't see anything on the Long Long Trail site or the web.

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A few months ago I have read an article in "Stand To" about the Lion of Houplines. It was the story of a soldier who kills 6 germans in café in Houplines.
I can not find that issue again. Could somebody scan that article and send it please.
All the best.
Claude

Further to Doreen's e-mail and her search for information on her Uncle Percy Mitchell, my Grandfather 138242 Pte Ernest Brough served with the 62nd MGC and survived to tell the tale, others however did not. The names of some of those who died while serving with the 62nd were: 147081 Pte Thomas Rollings 28/07/18, 2nd Lt Arthur Pentelow 28/07/18, 161595 Pte Harold Bisp 21/10/08, 127319 Pte W Aird 01/09/18 and 81603 Pte George Hume 05/11/18. The 62nd MGC was I understand attached to the West Riding Division-6 corps.

I am looking for my uncle, Percy Mitchell. Who D.O.W. on 23/10/1918 and is buried at Quievy, France, while serving with the 62nd Battalion M.G.C. His army records were amongst those destroyed during the Blitz. His army numbers being: Cheshire Regiment 2987 and his M.G.C number 13056. Is it possible to find out when these two numbers were issued to him?

I am trying to find out more about the circumstances of the death my great grandfather, Alexander Hutchison (no 16390) 1st Btn Royal Scots, Lothian Regiment. His record card says he was killed in action on 24 April 1915 and the theatre of war was recorded as France and Flanders. I know he is buried at Oosttaverne Wood Cemetry. Can anyone help.

On researching my Grandfather's medal card, it seems he was eligible for two medals, the reverse of the card is blank, so presumably no correspondence. No-one in my family knows if the medals were sent to my Grandfather's widow, is there any way of finding out if they were sent, or if she refused them. Being left a widow with five surviving children to raise, she never really got over my Grandfather's death, especially as he was a volunteer from the reserves, in his forties when he went to fight, being killed and buried in Dozinghem in 1917. My son has visited the War Grave several times and recently one of my cousins has been, and said how beautifully they are being kept.

I would be interested in any information regarding my grandfathers brother James Ellison:-

Private
Regiment/Service: East Lancashire Regiment
Unit Text: "B" Coy. 8th Bn.
Age: 30
Date of Death: 11/04/1917
Service No: 26940
Additional information: Son of James and Mary Ellison, of Broadhead Farm, Ramsgreave, Blackburn.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 23.
Cemetery: TANK CEMETERY, GUEMAPPE

I would also be interested to know if any WFA branches are planning trips to this area as I would love opportunity to visit James' grave. My grandfather also served in WW1 but as he survived and I have no service number or details I am unable to learn very much about his service. It would be great to find out a bit more about James as had no idea he existed before last year.

WFA - Somerset - 2008 SEMINAR

1918 - THE FINAL HUNDRED DAYS

TICKETS AVAILBALE TO EVERYONE - WHETHER OR NOT W.F.A MEMBERS

The WFA Somerset Branch will be holding their 3rd Regional Seminar on 28th June 2008.

As in previous years it will be held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, situated at Yeovilton in Somerset.

*** OPEN TO W.F.A. MEMBERS & THE GENERAL PUBLIC ***

The Theme will be 1918 - The Final Hundred Days.

The Guest Speakers are:

Dr. John Bourne - 'One Day in a Not Very Long War'. The BEF on 29th September 1918.

Prof. Peter Simkins MBE, FRHistS - The Battle of the Somme - 1918.

Brig. Mike Shaw - The 100 Days - Reviewed.

Morning Coffee & Biscuits.
Buffet Lunch
Afternoon Tea & Biscuits.

Licenced Bar.

Book Stall.
Uniform & Equipment Dispalys
Raffle.

Tickets: 22.00 (UK Pounds) (INCLUDES FREE ENTRY TO THE MUSEUM)
Available by POST from:

Mrs M Vidal, 24 Bilbury Lane, Glastonbury,
Somerset, BA6 8LX

Cheques payable to W.F.A. Somerset

Please enclose a S.A.E.

Further information required re William Marsh Private 4407 Army Veterinary Corps, died 1919 after being run over by a motor bus, he was son of Ernestine and William Marsh of Manchester and was married to Ethel Frances Fergie West Derby Liverpool although details on his marriage cert. differ ie age and middle name dont quite match birth details. How would I access further military details.
Thanks for any help.
Frances

I am researching the details of my uncle and name sake He was, Rifleman R.Simpson P/16954 9th. Battalion K.R.R. He was killed in action on the 17 October 1917 at Passchendale. and was awarded the military medal. can anyone provide me the comendation for the award? or other details as to where he may buried.

I would like to remember Stanley Palmer b 1888 in Hillingdon, England who died on June 15, 1966 in Vancouver, BC. He was Lieut. Reg No 76232 a veteran of WW1. We are trying to trace living relatives for a reunion this summer. Stanley was my husband's g uncle. Thank you.

When I posted a message requesting that if anyone was travelling to the Cambrai region if they would be so kind to stop off at the Red Cross Corner Cemetry to take a photograph of my Great Gradfathers Grave I was not expecting any replies (and those I did telling me to stop being so cheeky).
I would like to thank all the individuals that responded to my appeal and offered their assistance. The photographs that I have received is much appreciated.
Thanks also to the WFA team for having such great visitors to their website.

I do not think a public forum such as this is the correct place for airing real or imaginary grievances
over action by the WFA. If one perceives a problem taking it up at national level via the local branch Chair is probably the best way forward rather than formenting a very public and accrimonius discussion such as is being conducted here.

You are not answering my points Mr Hornby.

Please answer this point at least:

"It is also very naive to believe that the WFA could and should have funded this project. We have at all times acted in the best interests of the public in making this information available."

Since it is so naive to believe that WFA could ever have funded this project why did it get involved in it in the first place??????? I don't believe it should have done so why did the executive committee????? And why do the best interests of the public involve not advising them (no matter who doesn't tell them) that in 90% of cases they are wasting their money???

Website Editor Comment:
Phil,

We have never suggested that the WFA are offering much more than the National Archives. However we are able to offer access to the reverse of the medal cards. You are right to say that this is only 10%.

But we had to seek a partnership in order to move forward.

Martin Hornby

I saw in the Apr edition of My Family Tree magazine that the medal cards for WW1 personnel is to be made available on the WFA website. Firstly could you confirm that this is true and if so when they are expected to be ready for viewing?
I downloaded my grandfathers medal card from TNA but it was only the front of the card and would like to see the rear of the card to see if it holds any further information on my great grandfather.
Thank you

Website Editor Comment:
Lee,

To viw the reverse of the medal cards you stand only a 10% chance to getting any details. THis is accessible using the Ancestry website.

Martin
Website Editor.

Remembering my Great Uncle Private William Sharp, 10th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment killed in action in the Battle of Arras on 11th April 1917. Buried Guemappe Tank Cemetery.
Always remembered.

Can you tell me if ALL the index cards are online as there seems to be a lot of numbers missing. It is very frustrating to afterwards go into the National Archives and find them there. Congrats to all on the work done so far.

Re query by Rod Gibson, obtaining a copy of the death certificate should give correct date, you can also contact the CWGC with your query about the anomaly in the two dates.

I have a problem with a date of death.
Pte. Albert Rooks No. 201936, 11th Bn. Suffolk Regt. is shown on the CWGC site as having died on Tuesday, 9th April 1918.
He is shown in Soldiers Died as kia on 19th April 1918.

According to Soldiers Died the 11th Bn. Suffolk Regt. lost 76 men kia on 19th April and 15 kia on 9th April.

How do I find out which date is correct? Can anyone help?

Thanks

Rod Gibson

Website Editor Comment:
Rod,

I would suggest that the CWGC entry is the correct one.

Martin
Website Editor

Remembering all who participated in the Battle Of Arras, which commenced 9th April 1917.

Lest We Forget

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Hi,

I am sure that you will be very aware of Talbot House in Poperinge, the Everyman's Club where during the Great War soldiers of all ranks were treated equally and could renew a sense of normality. Well, now there is a great new play called - Talbot House - a Home from Home.

This play, written by Peter Gill which starts its first tour in April, tells the story of Talbot House and creates a bit of the atmosphere that must have existed there. It is a play suitable for a family audience and although set during a harsh period of our history, it dwells on the positives that came out of the period - not the horrors.

Although more performances are planned for the autumn, you may see Talbot House on the following dates at the following venues:

April 18 : Backwell Theatre, Backwell
April 19 : Bonnington Theatre, Nottingham
April 26 : Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth
May 9 : Athenaeum Theatre, Warminster
May 23 : Priory Theatre, Kenilworth
June 14 : Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
June 20 : Stockport Garrick, Stockport
Nov 8 & 9 : Talbot House, Poperinge

Western Front Association members are offered a £2 discount on tickets at all UK performances. You may book your tickets by emailing Beyond Eternity Promotions, (info@beyondeternitypromotions.com), or calling them on 01242 587776. Or of course you can contact the theatres directly.
Should you not be able to make one of these performances but would be interested in being kept up to date with future performances, again, just email.

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Remembering all those who 90 years ago today formed the Royal Air Force.

'Per Ardua Ad Astra'

Can anyone please provide the identity of the officer who was commanding the 175th Brigade, 58th Division, in August of 1918? Thanks for any help.

forgot to put my great uncle was in the Royal Fusiliers

My Great Uncle was killed at Passchendaele on the 10th.August 1917.His name was Augustus Sweek in "A"Coy.11th. Bn.His name is on the Menin Gate,unfortunately his records were destroyed in W.W.11,if anybody knows anything about him please let me know.

My father was in the S.Midland Warwicks RGA in WW1. He never left England in the war. He enlisted in Birmingham January 1915 was promoted to Bombardier in July 1915 but then on 13th July 1913 was released from military duties for work on government contracts. The only other entry on his record is his discharge at Dover in 1918. Would he have returned to the army after working on the government contracts or did some men do civilian work for the entire length of their service. Any help appreciated.

Anyone with knowledge of a memorial to a local priest executed by the Germans having been found taking care of wounded British soldiers on the retreat from Mons near Harcourt en Cambresis near Le Cateau in August 1914.

I am researching british prisoners of war held in germany during WW1. Was there an official duty laid on Officers to attempt to escape and regain allied lines? If there was such a duty how was it officially promulgated? Could anyone please point me in the right direction (of documentary evidence if possible)? Ishould be most grateful.
Regards,
Ron Skoczylas.

Website Editor Comment:
Ron,

Have a look at a website called "The Long, Long Trail". They have a section on POW's

I have a copy of my grandfather's army papers, and also the medal card. This is for Cecil Vidler. He was in the Worcestershire Reg't, no. 5851. Under medals, it states:
Victory: L102B29 (pg. 647 or 6471)
Then lower it says Star (there is a 15 before Star): L/5B(pg. 516) then next to that it said "dis". (I know he was discharged due to ill health)
Further down it says "Theatre of War": Balkans.

There is nothing in his army papers that says anything about the Balkans but it states he was part of the Mediterranean Exp'ry Force.

I am hoping someone can clear this up for me - I have another card he received on discharge and it states he did get a medal for being in the MEF but nothing when I search the medal records.

thanks

Remembering the Kaiserschlact.

This weekend nearly 200 people have been active on the old battlefields of March 1918 remembering those who fought and died. Many were WFA members, and many were visiting the graves and places where family members died 90 years ago.

The lads of the Third Army and Gough's men of the Fifth Army were remembered. The spirit of the 'Mud-Balled Fox' lives on.

Both of my grandfathers were killed in WWI. Private George Cunnington #15906 of the Dorsetshire Reg died June 9, 1917 noted on the Menin Gate. The other L.Corp William Talbot #8473 of the Cheshire Regiment died 25 Sept. 1918 buried at Hagle Dump Cemetery. Any information on what was happening at both of these times would be greatly appreciated. Both left young wives and families. What a tragedy.

Remembering all those in the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry on 21st March 1918 who were in the front line at Morchies at the start of the German offensive. My grandfather Thomas Armstrong was amongst them and was one of the survivors, though having lost an eye whilst winning a Military Medal. At the end of the 22nd only 2 officers and 58 other ranks survived from 30 and 639 two days previously.

I can't imagine what they went through.

The aniversary has heigtened my curiosity about my grandfather, my first big mate, who died when I was seven. I have his MM certificate and medals, how can I find out more? I've discovered his medal card on Ancestry but it doesn't tell any more. Is there anywhere else I can search?

Dave

In loving memory of my Great Uncle Pte Oliver George Clarke, Huntingdonshire Cyclists and 1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, who died on 25th March 1918. Always in our thoughts

i am searching my family histior and i am trying to find details of my great grand fathers military service.
his name was Walter Tott and was born on the 11th November 1978 in Standon in Hertfordshire.
i know he served in the army but from what date i have no details, i have searched on the National Archives web site and found three or four possibles and had two researched but can not be 100%on either as many of the details do not tie up with details known.
i had copies done of the full service details, even there discharge documents done for both Pte D/1764 Alfred Tott who served in the Dragoons and Pte 1764 William Alfred Tott who served in the Royal Dragoons.
and i believe that these two are in fact the same person , but again many details do not match the details i have for Walter such as age and last address.
the other person i researched was sergeant 71128 W.Tott Royal Field Artillary the only details i can find on this man is he was a Military Medal winner and is shown in the London Gazette on the 1st September 1916 , but for what he recieved his medal for i can not find out.
the only other details i have for my great grand father is a local news paper article about him from 1953 which says about him being a cavalryman of the 6th Dragoon Guards in his uniform of blue and white and plumed shining helmet.
i have contacted the Dragoons museum and they only had details for the same two as i had and they was only 35% sure that it was him , but they did tell me that many of the records were lost in world war two.
i do have a studio photo of him and his wife and he is dressed in a standard British pattern 5 button khaki uniform with what i think is a good conduct chevron on the lower part of his left arm, the chevron is inverted there is also a type of braided lanyard over his left shoulder but i do not know what this is for.
i have not been able to identify his cap badge or shoulder titles from the photo.
the only other details i have is that Walter had an older brother Pte 16891 David Tott who served in the Northamptonshire Regiment and was born in 1875 in Standon in Hertfordshire also.
if any one could help with any more information on Walter or David or even if they know how i might find more details for them or the whereabouts of there medals i would be very greatful.

Remembering all who participated in operation Michael, which began 90 years ago today.

My father's records were destroyed in WWII and I was surprised and pleased to find him in the Medal Roles.
My brother has a card with:

MILITARY MEDAL Awarded to M/283050 Pte H. Wood M.T.,A.S.C., attd R,C,A,
09/04/1918 Action - for gallantry and devotion to duty in action XI Corp

There is a discharge paper but little else. He told us that he lied about his age , 16, and joined up in 1914. He wore glasses and knew how to drive a motor vehicle so drove ambulances at the Somme and Ypres. If anyone can suggest a way to get more data please let me know.

My great grandfather was a member of the 4th North Staffordshire regiment when he was killed on 05 Nov 1917. He was buried in the Red Cross Corner Cemetery, Nr Cambrai. Does anyone know where their exact position was and what they were up to at the time?

Website Editor Comment:
Lee, I take it your Great Grandfather was Arthur Whittaker Pte. 48494 from 4th Bn, Prince of Wales's [North Staffordshire Regt].

The 4th were the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion attached to 167th (1st London) Brigade, who were part of the 56th Division from 7th October 1917. They left the Brigade in mid November 1917. They were in the area around Cambrai prior to the Battle of Cambrai. I looks like he was killed in the preparations for the battle.

My Great Uncle Samuel Foxall (born 1895 - Stoke on Trent) was killed the 12th September 1917 whilst serving as a gunner in the 118th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery. He was originally in the Middlesex Regiment before being transfered. He's buried at The Huts Cemetery. I'm finding it very difficult to trace details of his army life and any pointers would be much appreciated.

Website Editor Comment:
Cheryl, you need to look at the National Archives Burnt Records. These may hold details of Samuel. You could also look at "The Long, Long Trail" website. They have a very good Forum with members who would be ableto give you alot of information. The web address is: http://www.1914-1918.net/

Martin Hornby
Website Editor

My grandfather served with the 9th York and Lancasters at Ypres in 1917. While during one attack he conducted out of the line a A ELLISON from Stroud in Gloucestershire. I would like to hear from any relative who could tell me about their grandfather/ uncle or father please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am looking for information on the Bucks Yeomanry, does anyone know where they went after Gallipoli ? many thanks all

My Grandfather served in WW1 with the 6th West Yorkshire Regiment. He was Eli Alred and became a serjeant. His record shows he had a Victory Medal and a Military Medal, there is something reference to the London Gazette to do with this.
Please can anyone tell me anything about the service of the 6th West Yorks. regiment and/or the Military Medal in general. We have no records from my grandfather himself.

On july 29th Russia put her troops into a state known as "preparatory to general mobilisation".
Not "general mobilisation"
Did germany misinterprit this as an act of war,
rather than an act of aggression as set out in
the meeting of arbotration in 1911 in the hague.

have just found a watch in a dead relatives possesions bearing the marks G.S.T.P. N5475.
can anybody tell me what the inscription refers to,thank you.

I am trying identify the persons who were awarded Silver War Badges that have come into my possesion. I believe they are some relations but have no idea who they belonged to, The numbers stamped on the backs are 376958 and B305622, Can anyone help where I may find some informtion on who they belonged to. Many Thanks Richard

Afetr exhaustive checks, I have finally turned up my Great Uncle. Information on CWGC website search doesn't give to much away. Is there any way of checking I've got the right person

My grandfather Eli Bullock served with the East Yorks Reg 1911-18 and during that time played football for either the regiment or the Army, winning some gold medals which he later had to sell. Does anyone know how to research this? Also he was in "hospital blue" at Malta Military hospital in 1918 - any records of military patients etc?
Thanks

Glyn Aubrey

I am researching my Grand Father's Military record:
14284 Pvt David John Lewis 11th (Service) Battalion, 22nd Division, Royal Welch Fusiliers.
He served in Macedonia for the whole of the war and I am keen to join forces with anyone who may also be researching in the same area?

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I am researching my grandfathers service during WW1 and have found reference to him being billeted in dug outs on the banks of the Yser canal outside Ypres. Does anyone have any more information on their location?

The more I research my family history the more ancestors I find of mine who died in World War One. The list seems to be endless. I am up to ten now but I am sure there are more. What a waste of life. Please no more wars to end all wars it just does not work. Talk

trying to trace medals of my father nathaniel fleming they are british war,victory medal long service/goodconduct he was in royal horse artillery as a gunner and sevrd in dakka india and n w f ao perhaps i can get replacment medals can anyone help
Bob