I think we can call that a success

[Chris Caul]

For about 18 months I have been trying to find out which unit my great grandfather was in. All I had to go on initially was his name (George Bacon), where he lived (Derby), and where he served (Mesopotamia). Unfortunately his service record does not exist, but thanks mostly to the Pals of this forum, and some of my own detective work, I think I can say I have finally tracked him down; the final piece of evidence falling into place at the NA on Thursday.

I have established the following:

1. According to the MICs there was only one George Bacon who served in a regiment that served in Mesopotamia (North Staffordshire Regt).

2. That regiment only had one battalion in Mesopotamia (the 7th).

3. There was only one George Bacon in the North Staffordshire Regt, and according to the medal roll he was in the 7th battalion.

4. Pte G Bacon, 27757, North Staffs Regt came from Derby and was wounded late Feb 1917.

5. The 7th North Staffs were involved in bayonet charges on Turkish lines at Imam Mahdi, Mesopotamia on Feb 25th 1917, with many casualties including 139 wounded (source: battalion war diary at NA).

So there it is at last. He was 27757 Pte G Bacon, 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment. I can now tell my 93 yr old Gran.

Thanks to everyone that has helped. I shall continue to visit the site, as I am now absolutely hooked by the research, and will be trying to research my other relatives.

Anyone know anything about the Caul's from near Dublin?!

Chris

[Kevin Stillyards]

Hey Chris,

If you really want to get stuck into some research try having a look at your local war memorial. I did and now i'm eye deep in researching thirty-nine names!!

kev