Jump to content
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

T4 212798 Charles David McCarthy ASC (Mule) Driver


gatenby

Recommended Posts

He was a hospital blue when he met my Grandma, at Southport Convalescent hospital and sea bathing Infirmary "Sea air and bathing to aid the recovery of the sick" I think this suggests he was there due to breathing problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I bought the medal card download from The National Archives online there was another Charles David McCarthy card on the same sheet and I assumed the two cards were just a copy of the front and the back of the same card, as they were both mentioning the ASC. Is this likely to be the case? Or are they more likely two different people.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two different people in all probability. National Archives didn't scan the backs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. That clears up the confusion then. We don't have any date for entry into theatre of war or any code. Nor did he win the 1914 star for service in France! Back to square one! He spent 4 years 39 days embodied service and we only know about one year 212 days in Salonika!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. have just joined it and had a look. That clears that up!

Mum confirms he was living in Mosside in Manchester. He joined up at 17.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Admin

AVL = Absent Voters List

http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/avl.htm

As mentioned in the other thread he would have to be 21 in 1918 to be on the AVL

Struggling a bit with the Manchester connection why couldn't it be Bury <_< This site lists the units of the TF http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/aa_index.htm click on the regiment and you can see where formed

In addition to three Lancashire Regiments there is also the Manchester Regiment, additional information about their Territorial Bn are here http://www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgallerie...ritorial1914#15

As he didn't go overseas until 1916 he may have remained in the UK with the second line (how old was he? Territorials could enlist at 17 but were not eligible for overseas service until 19) and at some point he was posted/volunteered for the ASC.As mentioned in the other thread he would have to be 21 in 1918 to be on the AVL

Ken

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Admin

The mist is clearing a little - see post on original thread

So when was he 19? He probably went overseas after his 19th birthday

Incidentally is that definitely '1917' in the original?

I also found this http://www.hastingleigh.com/hast-mem-youngaw.html scroll down and it mentions a convalescent hospital in Malta for a malaria casualty from Salonica together with an interesting letter from his parents that helps explain the process.

Ken

EDIT Sorry managed to blow it up and it is 1917

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Admin

Applying the Regulations (and the Army was pretty good at applying the regulations :) ). The earliest date he was eligible to be sent overseas was 1st February 1916 which fits with the medal index card entitlements. In turn this means he was not in the original draft of the first four Divisions sent to Salonika (though he could have been a replacement in those Divisions - but there were not a lot of initial casualties), or he went with either the 27th or 60th Division - not an exact science, but a working hypothesis. See again http://www.1914-1918.net/salonika.htm

By 1916 County associations were breaking down and men were sent where they were needed. Whether he transferred to the ASC before he was 19, or when posted overseas we'll probably never know. I would imagine as a young teenager he found 2nd line duties in the TF a bit boring.

Incidentally you may be interested in this digital book 'Malta The Nurse of the Mediterranean' for an insight into his time there

http://www.archive.org/details/maltanurseofmedi00mackuoft

Ken

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have had someone check the SWB medal roll and Kew for a fee and they have sent me his page copied showing he had badge B171. I have still been unable to trace any evdence of this within the family and my mum does not ever remember seeing it. He was discharged on 12/9/18 age 21 and 8 months as unfit for service - sickness. Apparently they did have an Army pension but I have still not found any evidence of that at all in any searches.

Any ideas where I could look from here?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi again Latestarter

Can only suggest for now the local newspapers for round about the date of discharge.

Peridot

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...