Walter Alwen RASC M2/105587 croix de guerre and sports medal

[ruthpbloom]

Does anyone have any suggestions how I might find out more about Acting Sgt Walter J Alwen, RASC, M2/105587.

He embarked for France 11.8.1915 (according to his MIC - his service records have not survived).

He has a medal for winning the 5 mile race at the Army HQ Sports Meeting, Aug 4 1918, France - anyone know anything more about this event?

His ribbons include the Croix de Guerre - I can't find him mentioned in the London Gazette - any ideas where else I could look?

Any clues from his regimental number as to which unit he might have served in so that I could perhaps access war diaries?

Many thanks

[Peridot]

Hi Ruth

There may be a few ways forward on this.

If you know where he was living in 1918 and assuming he was 21 then, it is possible that the Absent Voters List for 1918 may show his Unit. These may have survived and will be found in the local County Record Office or Local History Library for the constituency concerned if they have.

Local newspapers for the time also may help.

The number pre-fix denotes Mechanical Transport 2nd New Army and means that he was probably a driver on entry to the Army, though may have been posted on promotion. Unfortunately there is no way of telling the Unit from the number.

Good Luck

Peridot

[ruthpbloom]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions, Peridot - I hadn't thought of the AVLs. And perhaps his prowess at the sports meeting will be in a local newspaper, so I'll try that as well.

Thanks again

Ruth