Advice with norfolk regiment postings

[Guest spotted ape]

Hello,

After many years I thought it about time to research a relation who died 12/10/16 and his buried in the Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy.

5520 F A Gladden

7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment

Born Salle near Reepham, Norfolk.

According to the CWGC he was with the 7th Battalion but his medal card has the 1st Battalion listed.

The question I have is, looking at the rough battle ares of these two battalions the 1st Battalion would seem to fit better with the location of the cemetery. Was it a common practise to post soldiers to/from different battalions?

Many thanks for any help.

Karl.

[Stebie9173]

He is likely to have been wounded earlier in the war (or suffered from illness, trench foot, etc.) and been evacuated back to the UK for treatment and then posted to the 7th when returning to the front.

The 7th Battalion took heavy casualties on the 12th October 1916. Westlake's "British Battalions on the Somme" records:

10-10-1916 - To Front line at Guedecourt

12-10-1916 - Attack on Bayonet and Scabbard Trenches - advance met with heavy machine gun fire from both flanks and later uncut wire. Withdrew to trenches near Flers. Casualties: 221

Steve.