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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

61st Siege Battery RGA before March 1916


wintrip

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I've looked at the war diaries for 61 Siege at the National Archives, which start in early March 1916 when it was at Bristol, just before embarking for France. I would like to know when and where it was formed and anything about the period before March 1916, and would appreciate further information, or suggestions of where to look.

I've already looked at WO 95/5494, which lists all the Siege batteries and their movements, but gives no information before March 1916, and contacted the Firepower museum.

Thanks.

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61st Sge Bty was formed at Sheerness 14 Sept 1915. It is difficult to say what happened after this until it went overseas, but looking at other gunners records, such as 48286 Davies, Joseph, they would appear to have been sent to Lydd on the 2nd Dec 1915 for further training. Most of these gunners first started with 19 Coy, also at Sheerness, after approval at their first main depot, Newhaven. Are the RGA records in those of the RFC that you have?

Kevin

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Hello Kevin

Sheerness in November 1915 fits in with the date and address in my grandfather's pocket testament, which I have inherited. My grandfather, John Surtees Hunter (48273) joined the RGA in July 1915 and transferred to the RFC in July 1916. Apart from indicating that he had served in 61 (S) which I gather refers to 61 Siege, there is no further information about his RGA activity in his RFC/RAF record.

Interestingly, a photo of 61 Siege at Bristol (which having looked at the war diaries I now suspect was in March 1916, before embarkation) came up on eBay a few months ago - I spotted it by doing a Google search. If anyone on this forum bought it, I'd be interested (and willing to pay) to have a copy made.

John

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  • 3 months later...
Guest abethell@onetel.com

Hi John,

I have messaged you to let you know I have an original of the photo taken at Clifton, Bristol of the 61st Seige Battery. I will gladly send you a copy of this via email and anyone else if they need a copy. Just forward me your email and I shall return an attachment asap. I have tried to add a copy of the picture as an attachment as a reduced file size (the original is just under 800kb-this is around 30kb hence poor quality) to make sure it is the one you are after.post-86756-0-61558900-1326144218.jpg

Regards,

Forest

Hello Kevin

Sheerness in November 1915 fits in with the date and address in my grandfather's pocket testament, which I have inherited. My grandfather, John Surtees Hunter (48273) joined the RGA in July 1915 and transferred to the RFC in July 1916. Apart from indicating that he had served in 61 (S) which I gather refers to 61 Siege, there is no further information about his RGA activity in his RFC/RAF record.

Interestingly, a photo of 61 Siege at Bristol (which having looked at the war diaries I now suspect was in March 1916, before embarkation) came up on eBay a few months ago - I spotted it by doing a Google search. If anyone on this forum bought it, I'd be interested (and willing to pay) to have a copy made.

John

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