Devon Regiment

[Marty4265]

I have been given a "Dead Mans Penny" as well as some other medals from my mother. This has led me to try and find out more of the details on how my Uncle died. I have managed to obtain his record of medals. It tells me that his first theatre of war was France on the 25/07/1915. It also tells me that he died as a POW on the 12/09/1918, but that is all.

His name was George Sharland #10761; I have tried hundreds of different searches, but cannot work out what Battalion he was in, what POW camp he was in or what battles he may have fought in. The nearest I can find is that he may have been in the 20th Light division as the dates that they landed in France look close, but I am only guessing.

I have asked the Red Cross to try and track down any information, but would like to try and do some research of my own.

So, if you can help I would be very grateful

Marty

[AlanCurragh]

Hi Marty - welcome to the forum. I've found your uncle's record on the Commonwelath War Graves website - it states he was in the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshires, part of the 8th Division. This is the link -

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_detail...casualty=328791

If you follow the link by clicking on the cemetery where your uncle lies, Montcornet Military Cemetery, it gives some more information - it states that Montcornet was a German hospital centre in the Aisne region. You'll also find a photo of the cemetery at the site. Your uncle lies in grave D1 - from the plan on the website, I think that is the grave on the far left of the fourth row from the back of the photo.

Someone with the Soldiers Died in the Great War CD will be along soon with the details from that.

Alan

[Doug Lewis]

Hi Marty

Info from SDGW

George Sharland 2nd Btn Devonshire Rgt

Born and Resident in Withycombe, Devon.

Enlisted at Exeter.

Died of Wounds 12/9/18.

The 2nd Devons were part of the 8th Division; go here on the LLT for more info http://www.1914-1918.net/8div.htm

Regards Doug.

[Marty4265]

I cant thank you guys enough, I really do appreciate it. I hope you do realise this means that I will harass you forever. (I do mean that in a nice way, my wife has said that I sound like at stalker)

Thanks Marty

[Petroc]

Nice little place, Withycombe, (good wee Rugby team too!) such a pity he couldn't come back from France and enjoy it like the rest of us can. RIP