Geoff Pycroft Research Page

Research
done by
Geoffrey Pycroft
Web Site Researcher
most of Geoff's work you do not see

Please note
Geoff does this research for free, anyone else would charge you £35 an hour, but we would like a donation to the web site to keep it going

A lot of Geoff's research has been made into Feature's
Geoff's feature pages
Sgt Henry James Batt, Pvt Joseph Bryant, Pvt George Heard/ Heardley, George Albert Benjamin, Arthur Lawson , LT General Owen Cadogan Wolley-Dod , Seth Harrington, James Hornby, George Bradley, The Battles Of Le Transloy. The lead up to the Battle of Selle
George Ashton, Capt Johnson, Billl Dalton 1 and 2, Calling Blighty Films, Tommy Broe Major Smale, Mary Haworth, William Paton, Sgt Sydney Barnes, James Craggie,. Peter Turner Joseph Holt, 7th Bn Searchlight Unit, Cyril Robinson, Albert McQuire
Click here to go to features Page

Sent: 02 August 2022 23:30
To: djlaverick@lancs-fusiliers.co.uk
Subject: Granddad

Hi. Is there a link on your site where I can search for my grandad. All I have is a document called “short service “ which looks to be when/how he signed up in 1914.

Thanks.

Hi Shaun No there is no list but if you send all the info you have to me I will get our researcher to see what he can find
Geoff has help a lot of people find their families take a look at his page https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/Geoff%27s_Work/Geoff%27s%20work.htm

His Attestation Papers records his Regimental Number as 13165 (top left corner ).
This is him. Please first one Shaun and asked if he wants any further research.
Geoff....very long email. He has a number if entries on the FWR Web Site.

First Name:
W
Surname:
Wilkinson
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No.5579
Report Date:
30/05/1918
More Information:
Entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being named on this list.
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
13165
Casualty Listed As:
Wounded
Next Of Kin Address:
Blackrod
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList44
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
British Army daily reports - missing, dead, wounded & POWs - WWI

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in W Wilkinson's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Medal
With the information in W Wilkinson's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

First Name:
W
Surname:
Wilkinson
Report Date:
15/09/1915
Information:
Listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office from 15th September 1915.
Further Information:
This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in this list.
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
13165
Duty Location:
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Secondary Unit:
9th Battalion (Why is this important?)
Archive Reference:
DT16091915
Map:
WW1 Actions and Troop Movements (ORBATS) for Lancashire Fusiliers, 9th Battalion

Move To Gallipoli
Zeytinli - 03/04/1915 PREV NEXT

First Name:
W
Surname:
Wilkinson
Age:
20
Index Number of Admission:
10892
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
13165
Years Service:
1 Year 7 Months
Months With Field Force:
6 Months
Ailment:
Gun Shot Wound Right Wrist
Date of Admission for Original Ailment:
14/07/1916
Date Transferred to Sick Convoy:
14/07/1916
Notes written in the Observations Column:
No. 104 Temporary Ambulance Train.
Religion:
Church of England
Regiment:
Border Regiment
Battalion:
2nd Battalion (Why is this important?)
Other unit info:
D Company, 7th Division
Archive Reference:
MH106/693 MH106/693 can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War Representative Medical Records of Servicemen from No. 34 Casualty Clearing Station

First Name:
W
Surname:
Wilkinson
Resided Town:
Blackrod
Report Date:
30/08/1916
Information:
Listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office.
Further Information:
This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in this list.
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
13165
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Tertiary Unit:
Attached Border Regiment
Archive Reference:
DT31081916

Was difficult to find as he is recorded under his ASC number M/404893 in the ASC Regimental Entry.....as a Lancashire Fusilier...9th Battalion

From a medal I found in the “family tin “along with my grandfather’s medals I came across a medal so decided to research it . On doing so ,on the cwgc site I saw several soldiers from
different regiments with the same one this being 13473 inscription on the rim how can this be ? As I kno each soldier has a different number one from the next soldier . He was in the
Lancashire fusiliers ,research is in early stages as I’m not sure if he die or survived the First World War more intrigued in the number at this stage . I would welcome any information

Yours
Mrs V.Watt

Good Afternoon Valerie
If you would kindly give me his full name and if known which battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers he served in, I will look into it for you.
Would he by any chance be called Robert Charnley who was killed in action on 5.7.16.

Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist
Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site

Many thanks for your reply . Unfortunately who you mentioned is not correct . His name was
Pte Bibby I gave my son the medal and will be phoning me later today. That’s all I know . Don’t even know if he was local to my area as yet .Many thanks for your help

WOW that is brilliant thank you so much .How one number can throw a spanner in the works . What are your charges if you were to carry on

He is William BIBBY with the Regimental Number 18473. A Lancashire Fusilier
The number you gave me earlier has been misread.
Do you wish me to carry out further checks or do you wish to do that yourself?
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and
Archivist Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site

First Name:
W
Surname:
Bibby
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No.5689
Report Date:
07/10/1918
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
18473
Wound Stripe:
Entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being named on this list.
Casualty Listed As:
Wounded
Next Of Kin Address:
Chorley
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList63
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
British Army daily reports - missing, dead, wounded & POWs - WWI

Campaign Medals:

British War Medal

With the information in W Bibby's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for
services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Medal
With the information in W Bibby's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the
1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently
referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Eligibility for this award consisted of having been mobilised, fighting, having served in any of the theatres of operations, or at sea, between midnight 4th/5th August, 1914, and midnight,
11th/12th November, 1918. Women who served in any of the various military organisations in a theatre of operations were also eligible.
Purchase This Medal
* Medal entitlement listed above is worked out using the same methodology the MOD used for issuing them
The record you are viewing contains all the information available from the original source, either fully transcribed for you or as an index and attached image.
Other collections may hold more or different data for this person.

First Name:
W
Surname:
Bibby
Age:
23
Index Number of Admission:
31761
Information:
Transferred from sick convoy No. 20 Ambulance Train.
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
18473
Years Service:
3 years
Months With Field Force:
2 years 6 months
Ailment:
Gunshot wound VIII (1) shoulder, left, slight
Date of Admission for Original Ailment:
05/09/1918
Date Transferred to Other Hospitals:
No. 6 Convalescent Depot 12/09/1918
Number/Designation of Ward:
K
Notes written in the Observations Column:
04/09/1918. No. 58 Casualty Clearing Station
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion:
1st Battalion (Why is this important?)
Other unit info:
A Company
Archive Reference:
MH106/1163 MH106/1163 can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War Representative Medical Records of No. 18 General Hospital: 28/08/1918 to
19/09/1918. British Other Ranks, R.N.D., R.M. and Operations. No. 18 (Chicago U.S.A.) General Hospital at CAMIERS, FRANCE Ser: 30781-32760

Good Evening Valerie
Please see the attachment.
He actually served in 3 different battalions of the Lancashire Fusiliers during WWI. A couple of other items for you later.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_fn=William&_ln=Bibby+&_no=18473&_crp=Lancashire+Fusiliers+&_ttl=&discoveryCustomSearch=true&_cr1=WO+372&
_dt=M&_col=200&_hb=tna

Tom Bailey No. 11217 Rank L/Cpl
Good Evening Raymond....this is a long email. Please acknowledge receipt.
First and foremost may I be allowed to complement your on an excellent piece of research. As far as I can see nothing needs correcting in the PDF.
However, in respect of the date 3rd May, 1918. I think I may have unintentionally misled led you. As I said previously? he has 5 entries on the Forces War Records Web Site.
The entry in respect of the date 3.5.18. is the actual report date related to him being wounded and thereafter being permitted to wear a wound stripe. It is NOT the date he was actually wounded. Please see below for the actual entry. See later below I think it highly probable that he was wounded shortly before this date during action in the Ayette area.

Raymonds Work

First Name:
T
Surname:
Bailey
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No. 5556
Report Date:
03/05/1918
More Information:
Entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by being named in this list.
Rank:
Lance Corporal
Service Number:
11217
Casualty Listed As:
Wounded
Next Of Kin Address:
Salford
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList40
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
British Army daily reports - missing, dead, wounded & POWs - WWI

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in T Bailey's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Medal
With the information in T Bailey's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Further from the Forces War Record Web Site. This is the entry in respect of his field treatment by the 92nd Field Ambulance, No 10 Ambulance Train.

First Name:
T
Surname:
Bailey
Index Number of Admission:
4082
Rank:
Lance Corporal
Service Number:
11217
Ailment:
Debility
Date Transferred to Sick Convoy:
07/08/1917
Date of Transfer From Sick Convoy:
04/08/1917
Number of Days Under Treatment:
4
Notes written in the Observations Column:
92nd Field Ambulance, No.10 Ambulance Train
Religion:
Church of England
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion:
16th (Service) Battalion (2nd Salford) (Why is this important?)
Other unit info:
32nd Division
Archive Reference:
MH106/819 MH106/819 can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War Representative Medical Records of No. 39 Casualty Clearing Station: 24/07/1917 to 10/08/1917. British Other Ranks. No. 39 Casualty Clearing Hospital in the field. Ser: 3658-4314 and Transfers Ser: 113-123.
Cont. ..
I have checked the Calendar of Movements for the 16th Bn LF and between 26th April 1918 and 10th May 1918 they were at place named Barly.
Prior to this they were at the following locations which is where and when he was most probably wounded.
7th-13th April Trenches at Ayette
13th-17th April Reserve at Douchy-les Ayette
17th-22nd April returned to Trenches at Ayette
22nd-25th April Reserve at Douchy-les Ayette
25th at Bienvillers - au -Booster
26th - 10th May Barly.
With your permission we would very much wish to place your research PDF on the Web Site as a feature page. We should perhaps wait though until you have made any update in respect of the above new information.?
If we can assist further please get back to us.
Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist

Evening Geoff
Apologies for delay in response. Attached is the final draft for Tom Bailey. I would be grateful if you would correct any facts that are incorrect.
In your earlier e mail you say that Tom was wounded on 3 May 1918. When I look at the War diaries it appears the Battalion were training behind the lines. Are you able to provide more detail regarding his injury, was he actually with another unit or was he injured while training.

As I explained I am aiming to provide a snapshot of those men I can identify who were patients at Chippenham which will be given to the museum. The curator is copied into this e mail.

Regards

Ray Alder

Many thanks.
I look forward to seeing your work.
Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist
Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site

Thank you very much for your information and images, very much appreciated. I will update the item I have written regarding Tom Bailey and share it with you. I am gradually identifying some of the soldiers. I will let you know if more of the Lancashire Fusiliers are included.

I will also go through the images we have in the museum that shows groups of patients in Chippenham. Not that I can identify him but does give a sense. Probably next week now as we are in preparation mode for my son’s wedding on Satuday

Once again thank you

Ray Alder

Henry Boulton Smith. AKA H.B.Smith 10th Bn Pvt 4462

Good Afternoon Den
Many thanks for your email.
I have checked his details on the CWGC Web Site and the Forces War Record Web Site which confirms him as a member of the 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers during WWI. His Regimental Number was 4462. Click on this link to take you to the 10th Bn page on the LF Web Site.

https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/10LFToursPostings.htm

Careful reading of the 10th Bn page will give you an insight into the war time actions of the Battalion

His entries on the Forces War Record Web Site (3) which I assume you will have seen, confirms his Service as being from 31.8.14. until 19.05.16. He was discharged under Paragraph 392 Kings Regulations (xvi) as being no longer fit for war service. He was awarded a Silver War Badge the number actually being 206,923.
The information as given above is readily available on line and it is possible via an online search of the National Archives to obtain a copy of his Medal Entitlement and Medal Card entry held with Ancestry.com. These are straightforward searches and are of course free to view.

Now then...to answer your specific questions.

Unfortunately one of the major hurdles to the military researcher was the loss of millions of records during the London Blitz of 1940. The then War Office Central Records Depository at Arnside Street London was destroyed by incendiary bombs and amongst the millions of records lost were the Service Records of WWI Veterans. Below is a link for further information regarding the consequences of the fire and losses.

https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/the-1940-fire-at-arnside-street/#:~:text=It%20is%20widely%20known%20that,an%20air%20raid%20in%201940.

A small number of Service Records were recovered from the burnt out building and are now held by the National Archives in what is known as the Burnt Records Collection. Again a small number of Pension Records are also held by the National Archives along with a limited miscellany of other documents that were recovered.

I have checked the National Archives for a Service Record and / or a Pension Records for Pvt 4462 H B Smith but none are recorded.

The loss of Service Records makes it virtually impossible to gain information on individual WWI Veterans and I am therefore unable to answer your specific questions about his service or indeed any questions / queries regarding his pension or injuries.

I should perhaps point out that the Fusilier Museum, Bury do not hold any information on individual Veterans of WWI and they too would refer you to the National Archives.

As I am sure you are well aware their are numerous Internet search engines dedicated to family research such as Ancestry.com or findmypast.com along with several others of a similar nature. (all subscription based). It should be bourne in mind that although they often turn up information on individuals the details recorded about WWI Veterans will have invariably been gleaned from the National Archives. It is the only source of accurate verifiable information.

SGT 13933 Francis Purcell

Good Afternoon James
My name is Geoff Pycroft and I am the Researcher and Archivist for the Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site. Dennis Laverick to whom you wrote has given me sight of your e-mail and asked me to respond.
Before I embark any any research I need to know what research you may have already undertaken. For example have you checked any of the following....
Medal Rolls and Medal Card Index held by the National Archives and Ancestry.com respectively.
The CWGC Web Site or the Forces War Record Web Site.
Have you researched the 17th Battalion on the Web Site?
It's is best I know what you may have already done save duplicating research.
As you are probably already aware the 17th (Service ) Battalion (1st South -East Lancashire ) was a Bantam Battalion. They were formed at Bury on 13.91.15.
This is a link to their page on the LF Web Site.
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/gallerynew/17thBn/17thBnLF.htm
I will await your reply before going further.
Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist
Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site

Hello Geoff.

Thank you for your prompt response.

I have not done any previous research on the websites you mention.

From family stories I know that my great uncle Sgt. Francis Purcell was killed in the trenches at the Somme. He was a kind of a radio operator. And I think he is memorialised at Thiepval, since I was told his body was never recovered (probably buried by a mortar bomb in the trenches).

Any information you can supply will be helpful.

Regards,

James

Good Evening James
I will get back to you later this evening when I have a little time. I can tell you that on the date he was killed the 17th Battalion were in the trenches at Bernafay Wood ( 20th - 23rd July ). He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D.

Click on this link for further information.

https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/1549742/francis-purcell/

Please also look at the link I sent you earlier to the 17th Bn page

I'll get back to you later.

Regards
Geoff Pycroft Researcher and Archivist

First Name:
Francis
Initials:
F
Surname:
Purcell
DOB:
Circa 1892
Age:
24
Birth Town:
Salford, Lancashire
Resided Town:
Salford, Lancashire
Nationality:
British
Date of Death:
22/07/1916
Fate:
Killed in Action
Information:
SON OF FRANCIS AND ELIZABETH A. PURCELL, OF 7, THE CRESCENT, SALFORD, MANCHESTER. A TEACHER. TRAINED AT ST. MARY'S R. C. COLLEGE, HAMMERSMITH, LONDON.
Rank:
Serjeant
Service Number:
13933
Duty Location:
France And Flanders
Service:
British Army
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion:
17th Battalion (Why is this important?)
Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in Francis Purcell's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Memorial Death Plaque Of WWI
The next of kin for Francis Purcell would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Over 1 million were issued in total.

Victory Medal
With the information in Francis Purcell's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Medal Card...click this link
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4744474

Two attachments.....Medal Card and Medal Entitlement ancestry.com.

I will leave to absorb the information above.

However.......

If you go to the Index Page on the Web Site and scroll down the page you will find links to Volume 1 and 2 of the History of the Lancashire Fusiliers 1914- 18 by Major -General J.C. Latter, CBE., MC. Scroll through the pages for more information.

The link I gave you earlier to the 17th Battalion contained a Calendar of Movements.

The War Diaries can be downloaded from the National Archives.

That's all for the time being.

If we can assist further please get back to us.

Regards
Geoff Pycroft

Dear DJ Laverick,

I was wondering if you could help me place a WWI officer in to a battalion. I have a double to Second Lieutenant Leslie William Davis, and I cannot find out which battalion he served with in France from June 1916 onwards. I've tried looking at the unit diaries of as many battalions as I can but I have had no luck with that.

I do write ups of WWI service members military service and I would be more than happy to share the write up!

Please let me know if you can place him in a battalion.

Sincerely,

Felix

I sent this on to Geoff for him to Research

Geoffs Reply

Hi Dennis
I have only been able to confirm the information already provided.
He is on the FWR Web Site but only shown as a 2Lt Lancashire Fusiliers.
Their is no record of a Service Record with the National Archives nor any Pension record.
Everything I have checked simply shows him as 2Lt LF but no BN recorded.
Geoff

Thanks for checking in! The search continues.
Felix Eggl

But Geoff will not give up and he found this

Hi Felix
Our Geoff hates being beat so we have some good news for you

First Name: L W
Surname: Davis
Rank: Temporary 2nd Lieutenant
Service: British Army
Primary Unit: Lancashire Fusiliers
Secondary Unit: 13th (Reserve) Battalion (Why is this important?)
Archive Reference: 1916 Army List
Seniority Date: 12/05/1915

Dennis it will be seen from the postings gallery that in September 1916 the 13th Reserve Bn LF became the 15th Training Reserve Battalion in the 3rd Reserve Brigade. The attached link explains what happened. It may be of use to Felix.

https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/training-reserve/

Dear Sir,

I am trying to find out as much as possible about my late grandfather’s army career and I’m hoping you ma be able to assist? His full name was Abel Earith and he was born in 1912 and served with the Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 2, I believe as a water truck driver (possibly amongst other roles). He was evacuated from Dunkirk and I have the medal, which he received, relating to this event (see attached) I know he was also in Burma (and I was told that he may have subsequently been hospitalised for mental health reasons at some point during/after this conflict).

Other than that, I’m afraid I know very little. I’d be intrigued to know any further detail about the Lancashire Fusiliers exploits during the war, and, obviously, anything specifically relating to my grandfather’s involvement would be of particular interest. I would be happy to make a donation to the website in recognition of any assistance rendered.

Many Thanks

Patrick Earith

Good Afternoon Patrick
Many thanks for your email.
Unfortunately individuals service records from this period are not held locally. You would need to apply in person for a copy of his Service Record from the Historical Disclosure Department of the Army Records Office in Glasgow. Only a family member can do this. That said bona fide researchers can obtain copies but they are truncated records and don't provide the minutiae of information often expected. I have placed a link below which explains how to go about obtaining a Service Record. The Service Record will provide all the information you seek. You will get his full record.

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

If he served in France with the BEF then in all probability he was at that time a member of the 1st/5th Bn. In his later service in Burma would have been with either the 1st Bn, 10th Bn or the 1st/8th Bn. I would strongly suspect he was in the 1st/8th Bn as they had a large contingent of former BEF Veterans within their ranks. If you click on the link below it will take you to the Postings Gallery where you can click on each of his battalions in turn and read of their war time actions. Follow the instructions at the head of each new page that you open

https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/postings.htm

If we can assist further please get back to us.

Geoff's latest research is a little different as it includes the soldier service record most where distroyed in the blitz these are one few the few which servived its the story of Harry Read Click here to see the feature

Dear Sir ,
I am 73 and my father was a sergeant in the Lancashire Fusiliers during WW1 . I only have minimal information about his service record . The details I have are as follows: Subject: Arthur Francis Nevett .Army number: 242209 : date of birth 27 12 1898 : medals awarded B.N.M. Victory medals .
My Sir name is Francis because my father changed his Sir name from Nevett to Francis.
The above details were supplied from the M.O.D. many years ago. My brother told me that father was gassed during the war. Not expecting much because I know many records were lost but anything would be a bonus.

Yours Sincerely Charles Francis.

Good Morning Charles

He has one entry on the Forces War Records Web Site as shown below. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. Click on this link to take you to the 2nd Bn page on the LF Web Site. Follow the instructions at the head of the page.

https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/2LFToursPostings.htm

Please find as an attachment copies of his Medal Card held by ancestry.com and his Regimental Entry in respect of the medal Rolls.

Sadly as you say his Service Record would have been destroyed during the London Blitz when the War Office Central Records Depository at Arnside Street London was destroyed by incendiary bombs.

Hope you find this information of use.

First Name:
Arthur
Surname:
Nevett
Rank:
Serjeant
Service Number:
242209
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
WO 372/14/198238
(Can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War, War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index)
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
Nominal index of all service personnel serving in a theatre of war 1914-1919

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in Arthur Nevett's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.

Victory Medal
With the information in Arthur Nevett's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Original message;

Hi,

I am wondering if you could tell me anymore information about my relatives.

The first is

Corporal Wilfrid Heap
240923, 2nd/6th Bn., Lancashire Fusiliers who died on 13 June 1917

I would like to know if you know which battle he died at and anything else surrounding his death or service I could find out about.

I also have another relative.

GEORGE BIRCH
Service Number: 2819892nd/7th Bn., Lancashire Fusiliers who died on 10 October 1917 Age 22

I do know a little bit more about George as I am more in contact with this side of the family and I know he has a grave at Ypres whereas Wilfrid was never found.

But any extra information on either would be amazing and I really just want to know more about them and remember them really.

Thanks
Nicola
Good Morning Nicola
My name is Geoff Pycroft. I am the Researcher and Archivist for the Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site.
Dennis Laverick to whom you wrote has given me sight of your e-mail and asked me to reply.
I will respond with further details later today but in the mean time please click on the following link for information regarding the 2/7th and 2/6th battalions. Follow the instructions at the head of the page.

https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/postings.htm

Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist
Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/contacts.htm

Further to my last. This is a long email.
I will deal with Cpl 240923 Wilfred Heap first.
He has two entries on the Forces War Records Web Site. They are;
First Name:
Wilfred
Surname:
Heap
Rank:
Corporal
Service Number:
240923
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
WO 372/9/118537
(Can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War, War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index)
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
Nominal index of all service personnel serving in a theatre of war 1914-1919

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal

With the information in Wilfred Heap's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Meda

l
With the information in Wilfred Heap's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Entry 2
Wilfrid
Initials:
W
Surname:
Heap
Birth Town:
Oldham, Lancashire
Resided Town:
Rochdale, Lancashire
Nationality:
British
Date of Death:
13/06/1917
Fate:
Killed in Action
Rank:
Corporal
Service Number:
240923
Duty Location:
France And Flanders
Service:
British Army
Regiment:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion:
2nd/6th Battalion (Why is this important?)
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collections:
Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-1919

The IWGC/CWGC Registers Collection

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in Wilfrid Heap's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Memorial Death Plaque Of WWI
The next of kin for Wilfrid Heap would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Over 1 million were issued in total.

Victory Medal
With the information in Wilfrid Heap's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

He of course has an entry on the CWGC Web Site that confirms his date of death as 14.6.17. He was then with the 2nd/6th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. He is commemorated on panel 45 and 46 of the Loos Memorial, France.

He is recorded on the National Archives Medal Rolls as follows; as you can see a copy is downloadable for a small fee...

Catalogue descriptionMedal card of Heap, Wilfred Corps: Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment No: 240923 ...
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Reference: WO 372/9/118537
Description: Medal card of Heap, Wilfred
Corps Regiment No Rank
Lancashire Fusiliers 240923 Corporal

Date: 1914-1920
Held by: The National Archives, KewLegal status: Public Record(s)
Closure status: Open Document, Open Description
Please find as an attachment a copy of his Medal Card held by ancestry.com.

If you go to the Index Page of the Web Site towards the bottom you will find a link to Volume 1 and Volume 2 History of the Lancashire Fusiliers 1914-1918 by Major - General J.C. Latter, CBE., MC.
By carefully scrolling through you can find details of the Battalion action on the date he died 13.6.17. Between 9th and 16th June 1917 the 2nd/6th Bn were in the trenches at Festumbert and on the 13th were involved in a raid on the enemy positions. The following day the Bn was inspected by Field Marshall Sir D. Haigh. Page 132 of Volume 2 refers.
In Volume 1 scroll through to page 215 for further information about the 2nd/6th Bn actions during the Third Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Cambria. (1917).

I will contact you later today regarding George Birch 2819892 2nd /7th Bn.

I hope you find the above information helpful.

Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist
Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/contacts.htm

Nicola
Information regarding the above LF. As you can see he also had the Regimental Number 4823. This is a very long email with a request for an acknowledgement.
Catalogue descriptionMedal card of Birch, George Corps: Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment No: 4823...
Ordering and viewing options
• £3.50 - sign in to get this free
• Download format PDF
• Approximate size 0.5 MB
• Add to basket
Order up to 10 items per basket, and up to 100 in a 30 day period.
Reference: WO 372/2/147251
Description: Medal card of Birch, George
Corps Regiment No Rank
Lancashire Fusiliers 4823
Lancashire Fusiliers 281989 Private
Lancashire Fusiliers 4823 Private

Date: 1914-1920
Held by: The National Archives, KewLegal status: Public Record(s)

His Medal Card entry with Ancestry.com is shown as an attachment. (above)

These are his entries with the Forces War Records Web Site

First Name:
G
Surname:
Birch
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No.5600
Report Date:
24/06/1918
Rank:
Private
Service Number:
281989
Casualty Listed As:
Missing.
Next Of Kin Address:
Rochdale
Service:
British Army
Primary Unit:
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList48
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here >>
Collection:
British Army daily reports - missing, dead, wounded & POWs - WWI

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in G Birch's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Medal
With the information in G Birch's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Campaign Medals:
British War Medal
With the information in George Birch's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the British War Medal for service in World War One. This British Empire campaign medal was issued for services between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Memorial Death Plaque Of WWI
The next of kin for George Birch would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Over 1 million were issued in total.

Victory Medal
With the information in George Birch's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.
Purchase This Medal

Victory Medal
With the information in George Birch's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

He is also shown on the CWGC Web Site which confirms his date of death on 10.10.17. He was recorded as a member of the 2nd/7th Bn LF. He is buried at the Dochy Farm New British Cemetery VIII.A.25 Belgium.
On 9th / 10th October 1917 the 2nd/7th Battalion were in the attack near Passchendaele.
If I can assist further please get back to me.

Subject: Re: Joseph Hill # 117 Sergeant in Lancashire Fusiliers andSergeant-Major in RAF #186074 subsequent to WWI

Good Evening Garth
Thanks for your email.
The first thing I should say is that the Service Records for ALL WW1 Veterans are not held locally. The only source of accurate and verifiable information are the records held at the National Archives. I note that you have attached a copy of his medal roll card entry held by the National Archives. His individual card be download for a small fee. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6250781
See the link below for details of his DCM and Gazette Date. He was serving with the 1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers at the time. The notations on the Medal Card relate to his first entry into a Theatre of War (1) being the Western Front (France). The other entries simply confirm his medal entitlements and where they are recorded.
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/Honour&dec/DCMs/DCM%20CITATIONS.htm
I should mention that the Fusiliers Museum Bury do not hold any records of individual WW1Veterans and they too would refer you to the National Archives. Ancestry.com hold considerable information on behalf of the National Archives and it could prove fruitful to search their archives.
Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist Lancashire Fusiliers Web site

-------- Original message --------
From: gstieb gstieb <gstieb@sympatico.ca>
Date: 08/09/2021 17:32 (GMT+00:00)
To: "g.pycroft" <g.pycroft@btinternet.com>, djlaverick <djlaverick@lancs-fusiliers.co.uk>
Subject: Joseph Hill # 117 Sergeant in Lancashire Fusiliers and Sergeant-Major in RAF #186074 subsequent to WWI

Good afternoon and my apologies, I am not sure who I should contact with my enquiry re the above. Your links to your database do not work for me for some reason, again my apologies.
Joseph Hill was my mother's father; she was a war-bride and emigrated to Canada to join my father, a Canadian pilot, in 1946. I am writing a family history based on the letters they exchanged from 1941-46, marrying in '43.
I have my Grandad's medals and many photographs of him during his military career and afterwards. He was awarded the DCM and mentioned in despatches, serving in many theatres both before and during the Great War. I would be pleased to scan and send you anything you might find useful in exchange for any information you might have on him, his military record and, specifically, anything you might have or could direct me to that might help me understand how he earned his decorations. I know he was wounded twice, I believe at Gallipoli, and I am almost positive his commanding officer was Cuthbert Bromley, V.C. I have attached a page from the National Archives showing his medal book (bottom right); if you can help me understand the various entries I would be grateful.
Anything you could do would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Garth Stiebel

Good Afternoon David
Many thanks for your email.
I am of course unaware of the depth of your research to date but I will assume you have viewed the LF Web Site page for the 2nd Bn and the various mentions of the Italian Campaign and the Cassino area actions in particular? I have run your father's name through the LF Web Search Engine but sadly he has not had a previous mention. I have also checked various other material particularly the History of the Lancashire Fusiliers 1939-45 by John Hallam. He is shown on page 214 (Appendix Honours and Awards 1939-45) which records his award of the MC as Lieut. A. Briggs-Fish 2LF. As you will know seemingly endless books have been written about the Italian Campaign and the Battle for Cassino but I have not found any reference to him in the books I have (other than as above). The mention of C. Cassino does not readily spring to mind I'm afraid with my very limited knowledge. Page 163 of Janusz Piekalkiewicz's book Cassino... .Anatomy of a Battle states....
"The German summer defence of 1944 was formed by three lines which were to various the way to Rome - the Gustav Line which ran across the Rapido, the Adolf Hitler line, 9km behind it built around Xmas 1943 and also known as the Senger Line and beyond that south of Rome the Caeser Line."
Perhaps C. Cassino us a reference to the Caeser Line?
Without trying to teach you to ' suck eggs '
as you will no doubt know, Service Records of WWII Veterans are not held locally nor on a regimental basis. All such records are held by the Army Records Office in Glasgow. Should you wish to obtain a copy of his Service Record the number you would have to make a personal application to the Historical Disclosures Office of the Army Records Office. I have placed a link below to the GovUK Website that explains how to go about obtaining a Service Record. Sadly due to the ongoing pandemic severe delays are being experienced in obtaining Service Records.
This is the link. His Service Record should answer a lot of questions for you. The Fusilier Museum Bury do not hold any records of individual Veterans and they too would refer you to the Army Records Office.

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher
LF Web Site

Good afternoon Geoff, hope you are keeping well.

I’d be interested in some help with researching someone I Believe to be my Great Grandfather. Dad (Dave Yarnall ex Mortar Plt 1LF) would have been thrilled if he found out his Great Grandad had been an LF aswell.

John Yarnall born Birmingham 1851.

I know that he married Margaret (Meehan or McCready) in 1889 or 1890 and was discharged from the fusiliers in Salford in 1889/90 after 9 years service. Apparently his number was 488. I also know he lived at 3 David Street in Salford.

Gentleman I spoke to beloved him to have served with the first battalion. Postings to Malta, Cyprus and Bermuda. But that does make sense when I look at 1st battalion postings and his discharge date.
Please let me know how much it will be for the research and how to pay.

Thanks

Chris Yarnall (Dave Yarnalls) Son

Good Afternoon Chris
How delightful to hear from you.
Now then Pvt 488 J. Yarnall has one entry on the Forces War Records Web Site as shown below. He was indeed a member of the 1st Bn LF. As can be seen he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

J Yarnall
Rank: Private
Service Number: 488
Recommendation Date: 1889
Adjutant Generals List: 273
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
WO102_7
Gallantry Awards:
Long Service And Good Conduct Medal
We don’t currently have any additional information on this medal.

I hope the information above proves useful.
Kindest Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher
LF Web Site
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/contacts.htm

Hi,
Please could you assist with my great grandfather’s military history.
772 A.CPL.W(William) E Brown . Lancashire Fusiliers
I have inherited his service medals from WW1.
Hope you can help
Regards
Daren Brown

Good Evening Daren
Please read to the very bottom of what is a long email.
Your grandfather served in the 1st Bn and the 3rd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers.
See the attachments (2).
1. His medal entitlement as recorded with the National Archives.
2. His entry with Ancestry.com.
This is his entry on the Forces War Records Web Site.

William E Brown
Rank: Acting Corporal
Service Number: 772
Regiment: Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
WO 372/3/132943
(Can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War, War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index)
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1
Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and... read more here
Collection:
Nominal index of all service personnel serving in a theatre of war 1914-1919

Campaign Medals:
Victory Medal
With the information in William E Brown's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period.

These are the links to the 1st and 3rd Bn LF pages of the Web Site. Scroll down to the relevant place names and dates and then click on the black bold type. You can then read of the Bn's WWI actions.
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/1LFToursPostings.htm
https://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/tourspostings/3LFToursPostings.htm

Arnold Mills MM

Hello,
I am now in my 70's and definitely along with today's problems have a lot of time on my hands. My grandfather Arnold Oxley Mills was awarded the Military Medal in the first world war and as relatives pass on it's difficult to find information of how he gained the medal and under what circumstances. I always promised myself that I would find what I could to pass on to my grandchildren. I have the medal clearly showing his name and the documents enclosed. I would be grateful if you could let me have any information your archives may have on him. He was born I think in Chadderton ,lived in Hulme Manchester and died in Taylorson Street Salford in 1963.
I remember him when I was very young a tall strapping man smoking a large wooden pipe and with great accuracy could spit the excess pipe fluid across the room from his chair. Sounds a bit revolting now but was acceptable in the 60's. and was always lasting memory.
Best regards

David Mills

Good Afternoon David
Many thanks for your email.
Now...information for you...not in any particular order. Their are a number of links below for you to ' click ' on.
His Regimental Number was 8614 and he was a member of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. (amongst others). At the time of his MM Award he was attached to the 86th Trench Mortar Battery. His MM was Gazetted in the London Gazette dated 19.3.18. Unlike other awards the Gazette do not record the nature of the events leading to the award of a MM. It was however very common for a MM recipient to receive a written commendation from his Divisionall Commander...as per your attachment.
He is also recorded as having served in the 10th Bn LF. See the attachments (two).
He is recorded in Volume 2 of the History of the Lancashire Fusiliers by Major-General J.C.Latter CBE., MC. (Awards and Decorations )....see the link(s) below.
http://lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/infantry-histories/library/The-History-of-the-Lancashire-Fusiliers-1914-1918-Volume-II/files/assets/basic-html/page1.html

Click on this link for his entry on the Medal Rolls held at the National Archives

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_fn=A&_ln=Mills&_no=8614&_crp=Lancashire+Fusiliers+&_ttl=&discoveryCustomSearch=true&_cr1=WO+372&_dt=M&_col=200&_hb=tna

He has 6 entries on the Forces War Records Web one of which records him as a member of the 11th Bn LF. When with the 11th on 5.9.16. He was withdrawn by ambulance train due to sickness. ...Rheumatism.
When in the 10th Bn he was wounded on 27.2.16. and entitled to wear a wound stripe.
On 27.8.18 when with the 1st Bn he was again withdrawn to a Casulaty Clearing Station with a severe inflamed right middle ear.

It was quite common throughout WWI for local newspapers to carry reports of awards to ' locals' often giving details of the reason for the award. It may be worth spending time researching the archives of newspapers from his home town....they often give up detailed accounts.

I will perhaps leave you for now to absorb the information.

If you go to the Home Page of the LF Web Site and click on the button " Postings Gallery " you can read of the actions of each of the battalions in which he served.

Should you need further assistance please get back to me.

Geoff Pycroft
Researcher
LF Web Site

Some further reading for you about the 29th Division.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/29th_Division_(United_Kingdom)

Earlier this year we were contacted by Elena Galesso who lives in Malfalcone near Gorizia, North East Italy. She was seeking information regarding the WWI Battle Signs worn on LF's uniforms and the occasional use of a representation of the Primrose Hackle on war time helmets. Elena is a model maker of extraordinary talent and her latest project was to be a model a WWI LF from the 15th Bn. She promised to forward photographs of the completed model. It was made from a white metal kit from Andrea Miniatures and came unassembled and unpainted. Elena hand painted it in acrylic on assembly and it stands approximately 55mm in 1/32 scale. (just over 2 inches). I think you will agree that the finished model is exquisite and the detail outstanding. Elena lives in an area of Northern Italy which she says is steeped in WWI history all around her.
Click here to see her Models

Hi Geoff
Can I ask one more question? I am now looking at my paternal grandfathers involvement in WW1.
His name is Richard Lord (b. 28/01/1888 in Heywood & d. 01/01/1965 in Heywood). He fought and was wounded (shrapnel in shoulder & temporary blinded through gassing). Other than that i know no more. I have found reference to a Richard Lord in the Lancashire Fusiliers (281128), I wondered if this could be him, a long shot I know, but maybe worth asking.
Many Thanks

First Name: R Surname: Lord
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No. 5559
Report Date:
07/05/1918
More Information:
Entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by being named in this list.
Rank: Private Service Number: 281128
Casualty Listed As: Wounded
Next Of Kin Address: Heywood
2nd/7th and 2nd /5th Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList41

Medal card of Lord, Richard. Corps: Lancashire Fusiliers. Regiment No: 281128. Rank: Private.

War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index, First World War. Langley P A - McGrath D. Medal card of Lord, Richard. Corps Regiment No Rank Lancashire Fusiliers 281128 Private.

Document type: M
Held by: The National Archives, Kew - War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General, and related bodies
Date: 1914 - 1920
Reference: WO 372/12/138124
Subjects: Armed Forces (General Administration) | Army | Conflict | Medals | Operations, battles and campaigns

E mail to Geoff
Wow Geoff, thank you very much indeed. I am so pleased you have been able to shed some light on my Grandfather.
Unfortunately I don't have access to Forces War Records website just Ancestry.

You have kindly confirmed his regiment and service number. What a coincidence that both my grandparents fought in the same regiment (albeit at different times), I am guessing by the dates that Richard fought and was wounded in the battle of the Somme in 1916
Thank you once again for your help.
Phil Lord

Captain J A Davenport Lancashire Fusiliers - just occasionally you come across something written in a book that becomes intriguing - this I believe could be one of them. An Auction purchase of a box of vintage books down here in Cornwall several weeks ago and I have just got round to going through them. The name written on the inside page of each of the 3 volumes of a set called Civilization in England by Buckle and published in 1906 is Captain J A Davenport Lancashire Fusiliers.
A little research reveals there was only one Captain J A Davenport in the Lancashire Fusiliers in the First World War - and he was taken prisoner in 1914 and was a POW in a camp called Torgau in Saxony for the rest of the War. A little more research revealed he oversaw the production of a book now held at the National Army Museum - Manuscript history book: The Torgau History of the European War; compiled from accounts given by officers who were prisoners of war at Torgau Camp, Saxony Germany, 1914; author unknown but produced under the supervision of Captain John Archibald Davenport (1878-1938), 2nd Battalion n Lancashire Fusiliers; covers the service of the British Expeditionary Force in France, August 1914; together with a list of Lancashire Fusiliers taken prisoners of war 1914, issued by the War Office and a photocopy of an obituary of Major Davenport; associated with the Battle of Mons (1914), and the Battle of Le Cateau (1914) World War One, Western Front (1914-1918) and World War One, POWs (1914-1918). Further information shows that he was transferred from the POW Camp to an Internment Camp in Holland in 1918, this gazetted in the Old Rugby School Magazine on Feb 21st 1918 - my question is can anyone help in tracing his family and shed any light on the Brief Stempel stamp in each of the books - could they have been given to him whilst he was a POW at Torgau Camp in WW1 ?- The dates fit, the names fit and I would like to get these books back to his family if possible. Any help appreciated - #weshouldneverforget

I have done some research on him already and have access to the National Archive (online at the moment) as I am already a member and there is some interesting information about him and his family but I lack a photograph. I have the Fusiliers War Diary and an extract from another prisoner of war on the same train as him taking them to Germany.
Angus Mansfield

From Geoff
It would appear this is the gentleman you are talking about
First Name: J A
Surname: Davenport
Incident Details:
War Office Daily List No.5734
Report Date: 28/11/1918
Rank: Captain
Casualty Listed As:
Released Prisoner of War from Germany, arrived in England
Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
NLS 1918_WList70
Lancashire Fusiliers during World War 1

Collection:
British Army daily reports - missing, dead, wounded & POWs - WWI

Campaign Medals:
Victory Medal
With the information in J A Davenport's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Sadly trying to trace relatives is a very difficult area. We are often asked to trace relatives of a WW1 Veteran to say return a medal that has been ' found '. Unfortunately as you will probably know all records relating to WW1 Veterans are held by the National Archives. Therein lies a major problem.The information you have to date will have been gleaned from the National Archives. It is the only source. ALL on line search engines will have got their information from the National Archives. The POW details will have been taken from the the intelligence reports. Again as you will probably know the majority of records relating to WW1 Veterans were destroyed during the London Blitz of 1940 when the War Office Central Records Depository was gutted by firebombs. Any remaining recovered records particularly Service Records are over 100 years old and any NOK details are hopelessly out of date. Your only source of information are the surviving records held by the National Archives which I'm afraid will not be very helpful in respect of your request. The Fusiliers Museum Bury do not hold any records and they too would refer you to the National Archives.
Regards
Geoff Pycroft
Researcher and Archivist Lancashire Fusiliers Web site

Civilisation of England 3 Volume Set	Inside cover
Name in the book	Stamp in the book

If any relatives read this please contact us

First Name: William
Surname: Wynn
Birth Town: Wigan, Lancashire
Resided Town: Wigan, Lancashire
Nationality: British
Date of Death:15/03/191
Fate: Killed in Action
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 17095
Location: France And Flanders
Regiment: 1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
The Battles Of Helles - The Landing At Cape Helles
Alçitepe - 25/04/1915
1915
o The Battles Of Helles - The Landing At Cape Helles - 25/04/1915
Location: Cape Helles. Turkish/Ottoman victory. Frustrated by the stalemate on the Western Front, in 1915 the Allies decided to open up a new front against the Ottoman-Turkish Empire in the Dardanelles.
Show More
o The Battles Of Helles - Capture Of Sedd El Bahr - 26/04/1915
o The Battles Of Helles - First Battle Of Krithia - 28/04/1915
o The Battles Of Helles - Eski Hissarlik - 01/05/1915
o Formation - 05/05/1915
o The Battles Of Helles - Second Battle Of Krithia - 06/05/1915
o Second Battle Of Krithia - 06/05/1915
o Disbandment - 09/05/1915
o The Battles Of Helles - Gurkha Bluff - 12/05/1915
o The Battles Of Helles - Third Battle Of Krithia - 04/06/1915
o Gully Ravine - 28/06/1915
o Krithia Vineyard - 06/08/1915
o Divisional Move To Suvla - 16/08/1915
o Battles Of Suvla - Battle Of Scimitar Hill - 21/08/1915
o Evacuation Of Suvla And Return To Helles - 19/12/1915

First Name: W
Surname: Wynn
Report Date:
29/09/1915
Information:
Listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office from 29th September 1915.
Further Information:
This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in this list.
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 17095
Casualty Listed As: Wounded
Next Of Kin Address: Upholland
Archive Reference:
NLS 1917_Wlist16

First Name: William
Surname: Wynn
Rank Private
Service Number:
17095
Duty Location:
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force
Primary Unit: 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
DT30091915

First Name: William
Surname: Wynn
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 17095
Regiment: Lancashire Fusiliers
Archive Reference:
WO 372/22/105095

Campaign Medals:
Victory Medal
With the information in William Wynn's record, it is likely that they were entitled to the Victory medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Memorial Death Plaque Of WWI
The next of kin for William Wynn would have been sent this death plaque after the war to commemorate all of the war dead. Over 1 million were issued in total

Corporal W WYNN
Service Number: 17095
1st Bn .Lancashire Fusiliers
Died 15 March 1918
Buried or commemorated at
PASSCHENDAELE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY
III. A. 17.
Belgium

Click on these below to enlarge them

Neil Hayward
You have his date of death and battalion. Go to the Home Page of the LF Web Site and towards the bottom you will find two links to the History of the Lancashire Fusiliers 1914-19 by Major-General J.C.Latter CBE MC. Volume 2 contains a Calendar of Movements for the LF Battalions during WWI. From that you can find out where the 1st Bn LF were on the date of his death and the days immediately prior to it.
From that you can then go to Volume 1 and with the date and location look up and read about the actions on that date. Everything you need to know is on the Web Site. It now has over 10,000 pages and 30,000 photographs. We are a very small team and do what we do in our spare time. Where necessary we will point you in the right direction / areas for research. We would be grateful for sight of your finished article and perhaps it would be available to place on the LF Web Site?
Regards
Geoff Pycroft

Name: John Thomas Partington
Military Year: 1914-1920
Rank: Private
Company: WO 329
Regiment or Corps: Lancashire Fusiliers
Regiment Number: 66639
Medal Awarded: British War Medal and Victory Medal

First Name:James
Surname: Ferguson
Information:
Attached 2/5th Battalion. Territorial Force.
Rank:Temporary 2nd Lieutenant
Gazette Info:
Gazette Issue 31583. M.C. With reference to the Awards conferred as announced in the London Gazette, dated 8th March, 1919, the following are the statements of services for which the decorations were conferred. For conspicuous gallantry and good work during operations south of Lillie on the night 16th-17th October, 1918. He commanded a patrol of eleven men. Which pushed over two canals during the night on the heels of the enemy in order that his company might advance in the morning. Finding that the second canal was covered by the enemy, he attacked them, forced them to retire, and established a bridge-head in order that his company might pass.
Gazette Date:
03/10/1919
Gazette Page:
12289
Service:
British Army
Regiment:
Lancashire Regiment
Lancashire Regiment during World War 1
More information about Lancashire Regiment
Formed: 1958

The Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Volunteers) was an infantry regiment of the British Army.

It was formed, as a consequence of defence cuts implemented in the late 1950s, by the amalgamation of the 1st Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment and 1st Battalion, The South... read more here >>
Collection:
Search Records of Soldiers Awards from the London Gazette

Gallantry Awards:
Military Cross
Instituted on 28th December 1914 the Military Cross (M.C.) is the third level military decoration awarded to Officers.

This decoration was awarded to James Ferguson for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

The Military Cross (M.C.) is awarded for gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

James Ferguson,as an owner of the Military Cross, is entitled to use the letters M.C. after his name.

Citations for the M.C. were published in the London Gazette during the Great War. However if the M.C. was a King's Birthday or New Year award, details were not published and in most cases will not be available.
James Ferguson
Rank: Temporary 2nd Lieutenant
Gazette Info: 3240
Gazette Date: 08/03/1919
Duty Location: France & Flanders
2nd 5th Lancashire Fusiliers