Was there a 9th Bn King's Liverpool

[potty5]

Dear forum members, writing a book on the local dead of Crewe and Nantwich and come across a 1847 Pte John James Lightfoot who died of wounds in Gallipoli on May 26, 1915. The Soldiers Died CD-Rom and the CWGC state he was in the 9th Bn of the King's Liverpool, but I cannot find this battalion in my British Regiments book by Brigadier E.A. James. Did the 9th exist, or were they a Territorial Bn? Any help would be much appreciated. Mark Potts

[connaughtranger]

Hi

The 1/9th KLR was indeed a Territorial Battalion. However, your soldier must have transferred at some point because the 1/9th landed in France on 13th May 1915 amd was attached to the 1st Bde, 1st Division for training until 29th, before holding the Richebourg-Rue de L'Epinette sector.

The 2/9th was still in England on the date you mention

Regards

Martin

[Paul Ormerod]

Mark,

John Lightfoot's Army Service Record shows him joining the 9th Bn, King's (Liverpool) Regiment in 1913. However he then transfers to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 10/09/1914, and at the time of his death is attached to the 1/8th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Regards,

Paul

[connaughtranger]

The 1/8th LF was involved in the 2nd Battle of Krithia on 6th May when 3 Companies went forward to reinforce the 1/6th LF after it had successfully taken its main objective. One Company stayed with the 1/6th, one Company extended the left of the 88th Bde on the east side of Gully Ravine and one Company occupied the bed of the Ravine. An attempt by other units on the 8th May failed and according to the history, the rest of the month was passed in usual trench routine.

Pte J J Lightfoot could have been wounded in the 2nd Battle of Krithia or became a victim of 'trench routine'.

The Lancashire Fusilier Infantry Brigade (42 Div) only started to take over part of the front line for the first time on the evening of 5th/6th May, so he must have died within 3 weeks of landing at Lancashire Landing for his first taste of action.

Regards

Martin