DDP1955 Posted 17 August , 2009 Share Posted 17 August , 2009 Hi Guys I am currently researching a man who arrived in France on 14/04/1915 and was in the above unit. I have never studied the RFA and dont really know where to start, so some pointers as to where to start would be good. Strangely he was transferred from the reserves on 05/04/1914 and didnt hit France until a year later ... I'd also like to know what 'disembodied' means!!! Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Clifton Posted 17 August , 2009 Share Posted 17 August , 2009 Hello Dianne 2nd West Riding Brigade RFA, later numbered as 246 Brigade, was one of four brigades which went to France with 49th (West Riding) Division in spring 1914. It consisted of three four-gun batteries of 15-pounder guns, though during 1916 these were replaced by 18-pounders, the standard RFA gun. If you can get to Kew, the War Diary of the brigade is in file WO95/2781 and it covers the whole of their war service from April 1915 to Dec 1918. War Diaries rarely mention individuals by name other than officers, but numbers of casualties each day are nearly always given, and the location of the unit, with a short description of its activities, is given on each day. When Territorial units were mobilised for war service, they were said to be "embodied". When they were stood down at the end of the war, they were "disembodied." Good hunting! Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDP1955 Posted 17 August , 2009 Author Share Posted 17 August , 2009 2nd West Riding Brigade RFA, later numbered as 246 Brigade, was one of four brigades which went to France with 49th (West Riding) Division in spring 1914. It consisted of three four-gun batteries of 15-pounder guns, though during 1916 these were replaced by 18-pounders, the standard RFA gun. If you can get to Kew, the War Diary of the brigade is in file WO95/2781 and it covers the whole of their war service from April 1915 to Dec 1918. War Diaries rarely mention individuals by name other than officers, but numbers of casualties each day are nearly always given, and the location of the unit, with a short description of its activities, is given on each day. When Territorial units were mobilised for war service, they were said to be "embodied". When they were stood down at the end of the war, they were "disembodied." Hi Ron Thats brilliant, you've answered all the questions I have at the moment .... The guy I'm researching, Joseph Kenney (sometimes spelt Kenny) got the MM, so I'm hoping there may be something in the war diary So glad, this Brigade is in the 49th, I've done some work on this Division in the past Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigronhartley Posted 17 August , 2009 Share Posted 17 August , 2009 Hello Dianne, The 2nd West Riding Brigade RFA were based in Bradford. It is highly likely your man was from the area. Try contacting Bradford Local History Library, they have a Card Index containing Newspaper Articles re: Casualties and Gallantry Awards. Hope this helps. Regards Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDP1955 Posted 17 August , 2009 Author Share Posted 17 August , 2009 The 2nd West Riding Brigade RFA were based in Bradford. It is highly likely your man was from the area. Try contacting Bradford Local History Library, they have a Card Index containing Newspaper Articles re: Casualties and Gallantry Awards. Hope this helps. Thanks Ron I'll try this, I have the gazette, so this should help pinpoint the award, although I appreciate there is no guarantee Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigronhartley Posted 17 August , 2009 Share Posted 17 August , 2009 Hello Dianne, 'I have the gazette, so this should help pinpoint the award' What was the LG date ? Regards Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDP1955 Posted 17 August , 2009 Author Share Posted 17 August , 2009 'I have the gazette, so this should help pinpoint the award' What was the LG date ? Hi Ron The LG date is 14 Jan 1918. There is no info apart from service number, name and regiment This guy was obviously a brave man but had a naughty streak, a couple of months after this award he was in trouble for occupying a civvie billet without permission Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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