Private Thomas Smallwood of the King's Own - HELP!

[Jonathan_NW]

Hi everyone

I'm helping a mate at work trace the service history of his Great Great Uncle. He is 18402 Private Thomas Smallwood of the Kings Own (Royal Lancaster's). What we know is that he was K.I.A in Mesopotamia on 5 April 1916 serving with the 6th battalion and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial and on the currently being restored, quite superb memorial in Horwich, Lancashire. His MIC states that he was posted to France 26 July 1915 and at around this time the 6th Battalion were about to be shipped out to take part in the Gallipoli campaign.

From this would anyone know, from his number, if:

The MIC is incorrect and he never went to France?

He went from France to Gallipoli?

He served in France, never went to Gallipoli but went to Egypt and then to Mesopotamia?

Any help, advice or info would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your time as ever.

Regards

Jonathan

[Jonathan_NW]

And here is a photo of him discovered today at the local archive...note the fag in the corner of the mouth!!

[grantowi]

According to this from SDGW, they never went to France:

King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) - 6th Battalion.

Formed at Lancaster Aug. 1914-K1-to Tidworth in 38th Bde. 13th Div. Feb. 1915 to Aldershot. July 1915 to Gallipoli. Jan. 1916 to Egypt. Feb. 1916 to Mesopotamia. 31.10.18 38th Bde. 13th Div. Mesopotamia; near Delli Abbas, N.E. of Baghdad

Also says:

Birthplace: Crewe

Enlisted: Horwich, Lancs

Grant

[KevinBattle]

Could this be a relative?

Name: SMALLWOOD, GEORGE BAXTER

Initials: G B

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment/Service: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 30

Date of Death: 02/11/1918

Awards: M M and Bar

Additional information: Son of Mrs. A. Turner, of 2, Walker St., Warrington.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: L. CE. 261.

Cemetery: WARRINGTON CEMETERY

Note the MM and bar.... obviously rose from the ranks....