11th Hampshire/2nd Devonshire

[celendril]

Greetings from Canada,

I have the medal roll for my great grandfather, Frank Charles Dell. It lists him as being in the 11th Hants (Hampshire, I think) and the 2nd Devons, Would anyone have any idea, or at least hazard an educated guess as to when Frank transferred from one to the other? The only date associated with this record is "Z" res 12/3/19, which I believe is when he was put into reserve. I'm interested in getting copies of the war diaries, but would like to try and narrow down the dates within the diary that are pertinent to my relative.

Oh, also, if he served in the Second World War, does that mean his Great War records are sealed, or would they be public access? I've never been able to find service records for him (aware of the bomb destruction) and wondered if it was because of his WWII involvement.

Cheers, and thank you!

[sotonmate]

You could ask the Army for his records. If he served beyond 1921 the records are not publicly archived. Ask here:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

[sotonmate]

He landed in France with 11 Hampshires on their first arrival as a full unit in December 1915,they were a Pioneer Battalion for the 16 Irish Division.His number was 11609.

The War Diary for this time is at Kew under WO95/1966/2 but is not yet digital,but keep your eye open as they ready and are supposed to be released to download any time soon.(£3.36)

I think maybe he changed Regiments somewhen in 1917,his number was 32139 and the Devons number 32516 was issued in Aug 1917, as a rough guide. The War Diary for 2 Devons is under WO95/1712 and is digital for download (again £3.36).