Help needed on R. F . A . man

[john ring]

Hello Forum : I am trying to research a soldier , for a elderly neighbour of mine . Here are his details .

D V R . PATRICK O'KEEFE no 73410 27 th BRIGADE R . F . A .

His qualifying date is 19 / 8 / 1914

I have his M I C , but no pension , or service records appear to exist for him . So i seem to have hit a blank wall ?

Can any of you , knowledgeable fellow forum members , suggest any other avenues , of research , i can follow ?

Do any diaries for the 27 th Brigade R F A exist ?

Or can some kind soul , supply me with any details , regarding the 27 Brigade R F A in France

Any help received , will be greatly appreciated , ( as i like to be able to help expand , this lady's , knowledge of her uncle's , war experience )

Eagerly , awaiting your replies . With kindest regards , and many thanks .......... John a,k.a Cork Commrade

[johndavidswarbrick]

Dear John,

There are several war diaries for 27th Brigade RFA available at TNA - unfortunately none appear to have been digitalised so you will have to visit Kew to view them:

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/s/res?_aq=Royal+Field+Artillery+27+Brigade&_ep=&_or1=&_or2=&_or3=&_nq1=&_nq2=&_nq3=&_sd=&_ed=&_col=0&_sw=ref&_cr1=WO+95&_cr2=&_cr3=&_ps=15&_ro=any&_rd=&_rsd=&_red=&_fr=&_st=adv

It's also worth looking, assuming you haven't done so already, at the Long Long Trail [top left hand side button on this site's home page] for many useful hints for researching an individual soldier and unit.

Good hunting,

Dave Swarbrick

[spof]

27 Brigade was part of the 5th Division which has a brief history on Long Long Trail

[john ring]

Hello Dave

Thank you for the info , on the 27 Brigade RFA , diaries . I will just have to wait until the diaries are digitised , or win the Lotto , and visit the TNA , whichever happens first .

I had already , taken a good march , down the " Long Long Trail " ( excellent website )

Thank's , once again for your assistance , and your " good wishes " in my search !

With kindest regards ........ John aka Cork Commrade