77, 78 & 79 MGC Companies

[hmsk212]

Hi

Does anyone have any information on the whereabouts of 77th, 78th & 79th Coy MGC during 1918. They are not yet on the mother site. I know that they were in Greece but that is about as far as my knowledge goes. They also appear to have retained their Coy status in December 1918 rather than having being integrated into Battalion status in March 1918. They had 6 casualties in December 1918, probably due to influenza or old wounds, and they are buried at Dedeagatch British Cemetery, near to where No 31 Casualty Clearing Satation was based. Any info much appreciated.

Steve

[Staffsyeoman]

..And there's a Plaque to one of them on EBay, but bet you knew that!

I'll look see if one of the team's read those diaries yet and get back to you.

[hmsk212]

..And there's a Plaque to one of them on EBay, but bet you knew that!

I'll look see if one of the team's read those diaries yet and get back to you.

Hi Phil

Yes, that is what started me looking, fascinated by the fact that it was 78th Coy rather than a Battalion so decided to look further. The cemetery records show 1 77th Coy died 18/12/1918, 2 78th Coy died 09/12/1918 & 13/12/1918 & 3 79th Coy died 07/12/1918, 11/12/1918 & 14/12/1918. Obviously all too late to feature in Soldiers Died so decided to pick the brains of the pals.

Steve

[Guest Ian Bowbrick]

77 Coy were in Salonika from mid 1916 onwards. Original men from this Coy were in the 33000 number range. A number were ex OBLI. I have researched a 77 Coy man whose file was in WO 363 - detials to follow.

Ian

[hmsk212]

77 Coy were in Salonika from mid 1916 onwards. Original men from this Coy were in the 33000 number range. A number were ex OBLI. I have researched a 77 Coy man whose file was in WO 363 - detials to follow.

Ian

Many thanks big boy

Steve

[Guest Ian Bowbrick]

Steve,

OK a job from Xmas Holiday 2001...........

31698 Pte Frederick Kearley MGC

12 Aug 01 - Attested Ox & Bucks Light Infantry

07 Jul 15 - Wounded in France

12 Apr 16 - Transferred to the MGC

04 Jul 16 - Posted to 77 MG Coy

05 Jul 16 - Coy Disembarked to Salonika

12 Aug 16 - Promoted to Sgt

02 Jan 17 - To Hospital with Malaria

28 Nov 17 - Mentioned in Despatches

09 Jun 19 - Transferred to Z Class Reserve

In general terms useful as it gives a disembarkation date for 77 Coy

Kearley's file is in WO 363 K series.

Cheers - Ian

[hmsk212]

Thanks again Ian.

I am still interested to know why they remained 77, 78 & 79 Coy and did not become 26th Bde, any thoughts?

Steve

[Staffsyeoman]

Well, here's the tally from the database:

77 SALONIKA/SR 26 DIV 7/16 - 3/19 4870 Y *1/2

77 EGYPT 54 (EA) DIV 4/19 - 6/19 4645 Y *

78 SALONIKA/SR 26 DIV 7/16 - 4/19 4874 Y ***

79 SALONIKA/SR 26 DIV 7/16 - 3/19 4877 Y **1/2

(The stars are the 'overall' grading each reader gives the piece; three is the top. We also subdivide for Places/Names/Narrative quality)

Hope that's not too hieroglyphic.

[hmsk212]

Hi Phil,

Thanks for your input , I know what your getting at !!

Steve