How did Granddad die?

[jumbo]

This is a ticklish one... I'm trying to establish the last moments of my grandfather (d 10 Aug 1918), who is listed among Ancestry's Great War Dead as "Rank: Pioneer. Regiment: Corps of Royal Engineers. Comments: Formerly [service No.] Rifle Brig. (D Spec. Coy. R.E.)".

I scoured D Special Company's war diary for August 1918 at the National Archives this week, expecting to find details of gas casualties -- nothing. The notes show that Aug 1-9 was spent digging out, installing or idle; Aug 10-14, in training. There were no casualties for the four previous months.

Back home, I found a very small clue. FindMyPast's Great War Dead section includes, against the heading "How Died" the word "Died". Not "killed".

I mentioned this to my wife, who vaguely remembered a conversation 30 years ago with my late grandmother, who mentioned in passing that granddad had drowned. That set MY memory ticking; I seem to recall a cynical relative saying: "Probably drunk".

Certainly, my grandma reckoned her late husband was fond of a drink, but so are many, and I imagine he was far from alone in seeking refuge in liquor from the horrors of war, so I won't parade his name in public. I do, however, dearly want to resolve the doubt for my own peace of mind.

Can anyone suggest, therefore, from the wording of the War Dead listing, whether he is likely to have been with the Specials on the day he died, or whether he may have returned to the main regiment? That could change the course of my enquiry. Also where in official records (I'm going to try his local paper archive) I should look for the circumstances of his death? And finally, whether his death certificate would have been issued in France, or the UK?

[River97]

What you could do is contact the GRO (General Records Office) here and get a copy of his death certificate. There may be some info on there.

This is how the IFCP are getting their non-coms recognised.

I'm guessing this is your Grand Father?

Name: MORRIS

Initials: J A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Pioneer

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers

Unit Text: "D" Special Coy.

Date of Death: 10/08/1918

Service No: 206743

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 16.

Cemetery: MONTIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme

I would actually hazard a guess that he was killed in action or died of wounds very soon after as there are only 22 headstones in this cemetery, of which three are German.

I have also had a look at his Medal Index Card and there is no additional info on that. He was entitled to the BWM and Victory Medal.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Andy.

[sotonmate]

overw8

I was going to say that often a Special Company RE had irons in several simultaneous fires and ask if you are sure that you accounted for these. Ones that I have read had four or five elements working in different places,it may have been a storage area,more than one gas projectile battery on different sites,recovering spent projectile frames for re-charge (these might have been buried by counter-Artillery fire),overhauling and servicing, preparing new firing sites. My impression of these units at this time is that they were kept busy and always near to being flattened by counter-fire. You,or even the Diary writer, might have missed his fate. He could have gone missing,drowned in the many mud-filled shell craters etc.

I am sure we all respect his bravery,these units were often in the firing line whilst carrying out their tasks without fear of the enemy's response.

Sotonmate

[jumbo]

Thanks, gentlemen -- Sotonmate for the insight into the Specials' duties, and Andy for the detective work (!) and the pointer to the GRO; this is the first overseas death I've had to pursue. I'll check his death certificate and hunt out the relevant issue of his local paper.

PS: A random thought; 40-odd years ago, on a football tour to the French-Belgian border, I stupidly went swimming alone at 6am after coming home legless from an all-night drinking session, and almost drowned in two feet of water. Wonder if he was watching over me?

Thanks again, both.

[sotonmate]

overw8

The other thing I didn't mention was that I also noticed that these elements of one Special Company were often 'contracted' to various Divisions to carry out a specific firing action on their behalf. This would have increased the chance of not always being aware of every member of their organisation.

I seem more awake this morning and have just realised why this rings a bell ! Doh ! I have some bits for D Special Coy which I did for someone a while back. I read some of the WD (WO95/486) and made pics and notes,but I guess you would have done that. The other significant realisation is that Aug 1918 was in the period where the Great Flu pandemic was sweeping Europe,is there a connection here ? I remember a fair few casualties going sick to hospital and wonder if he was stricken by that ?

Sotonmate