Numbering in the Dorset Regiment, Pte 17696 John Mckeown

[AndyJohnson]

Hello

I've been asked if I could find any detail about Pte. 17696 John McKeown, his Soldiers & Pensions papers did not survive, his MIC just shows a Pair.

He was from Dundalk, and served with the Dorsets. A newspaper article at the time of his death in 1958 (Cheslyn Hay) says that he served in France, and was wounded at St Quentin. As he went abroad after 1/1/1916, I presume this means March 1918.

Looking at SDGW for Dorsets numbers beginning 176*, there are 2 men killed: 17693 WC Humby KIA 24/5/18, and 17697 Pte GW Maidment DOW 7/12/16; both are 6th Dorsets, 17th Division.

As the 6th Dorsets (17th Div) were involved in the Battle of St Quentin in March 1918, is it fair to assume that McKeown was also 6th Dorsets?

Is there another source which would identify his battalion precisely?

regards

Andy

[sotonmate]

The original Medal Roll will likely show his Battalion. It is at Kew in ledger WO329/1288 page 573. A request here in the Look Up section may bring you the info.

[AndyJohnson]

Hi Sotonmate

Many thanks for the Kew reference, that will be very useful. As you suggested, I have added this to the 'Look Up' section.

Again, many thanks.

regards

Andy

[elliot#1]

Andy,

McKeown served with the 1st Battalion, not the 6th.

Regards,

Elliot

[AndyJohnson]

Hi Elliot

That's excellent, do you have access to the Medal Roll?

If so, any chance of a copy of that page. I'll pm you

regards

Andy