Guest ChrisLaw Posted 27 July , 2004 Share Posted 27 July , 2004 I am trying to find out where my grandfather served during The Great War. I recall him talking about the mud of Paschendale but until recently I knew nothing more. I have obtained his service record from Kew and a copy of his discharge certificate from relatives. Can somebody help me interpret the following, please? William Wright May Po. 1612S Royal Marine Light Infantry. 31/08/1916 Enlisted in Southampton 11/02/1916 Former service T Army Res 25/08/1916 Mobilized 26/08/1916 Royal Berks Transferred from army - WHY? HOW? 31/08/1916 - 7/11/1916 Pte D Co RMLI Depot - WHERE WAS THIS? 8/11/1916 - 31/12/1916 Pte C (crossed out) F (?) Co Victory 11 RM Bde RMLI 1st Res Batt C/O J B Finlaison THE F PUZZLES ME. DOES VICTORY 11 = CRYSTAL PALACE? 1/01/1917 - 20/10/1917 As above Headquarters C/O J B Finlaison 21/10/1917 - 31/12/1917 as above but Ports Div C/O E G Lywood 1/01/1918 - 31/12/1918 as above C/O H D Farquharson 1/01/1919 - 28/04/1919 D Invalided C/O H D Farquharson WHEN DID HE GO OVERSEAS? WHERE DID HE SERVE? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Saunders Posted 28 July , 2004 Share Posted 28 July , 2004 This isnt my area at all but it appears he was serving with the Royal Navy (63rd) Division. I would expect the 1st Bttn to have a War Diary at the PRO. I am not sue how this would relate to 1st Reserve Bttn. although from the late 1917 entry, I wonder whether he was with the Portsmouth Battalion of the Royal Marine Brigade, RND. I am sorry as I probably havent really helped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ChrisLaw Posted 28 July , 2004 Share Posted 28 July , 2004 Thanks for the prompt reply. I did try to locate a war diary at the PRO but the archivists were unable to trace one. Is there any way to trace my grandfather's movements from his commanding officers? I tried to obtain their records at Kew but drew another blank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 29 July , 2004 Share Posted 29 July , 2004 DOES VICTORY 11 = CRYSTAL PALACE? Hi Chris Yes Victory II was Crystal Palace / Sydenham, Training Depot for Royal Naval Divisions from 1914 until it "Paid Off" in March 1919. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeldr Posted 29 July , 2004 Share Posted 29 July , 2004 I did try to locate a war diary at the PRO but the archivists were unable to trace one. Chris, I’m not sure how much any of this will be of help to you specifically, but the following should be available at the NA, Kew; Per the Bibliography in Pat Francis’ book ‘A Quiet Life’ ADM 137/3065 Battalion war diaries and operational orders, including 1st RM May1916-Nov 1918, 2nd RM Aug 1916- April 1918 ADM 157/2471-2847 Portsmouth Division Discharge & Attestation Papers WO 95/3110 War Diaries 188th Infantry Bde, Royal Marines 1st & 2nd Bns. May 1916-April 1919 Another useful address might be the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney Bets of luck with your research Michael D.R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Saunders Posted 29 July , 2004 Share Posted 29 July , 2004 Another useful address might be the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney The Fleet Air Arm museum may also be able to help as they hold some of the RND (inc RM Brigade) records. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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