Sgt. John ROYAL (106152) 22nd Reserve Battery RFA

[medicorps]

Hello,

I have found the digitised service record of an ancestor, which includes numerous documents, telegrams, letters and a copy of the death certificate of one of his children. In 1915 he was 37 years old.

It appears he was previously part of the army RH RFA 'Section D' and discharged in 1913, would that be a territorial unit?

He signed up again in August 1915 as a Bomadier with the 22nd Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillary. He spent 2 years in England, what would he have been doing?

In 1917 he is posted overseas to India where he was transferred to the 1097/216th Brigade. He returned in late 1919 and is discharged at Crystal Palace. Signing a document declaring himself with no injuries due to his army service. There is a letter of 'protection' would anyone know that means?

I'm intrigued by communications regarding a C. L. Williams (223879 ?) and a document stamped Pension Appeal Tribunal, Law Courts 17/12/19. There are notes and letters included which are difficult to read, is it possible to see the original documents or have they been destroyed?

His Medal Card is rather sparse, there is only RFA/101a page 48 written beside the British Medal, would that mean it was the only medal he was awarded and he was in no Theatre of War?

[battiscombe]

I think Section D Reserve is not territorial and reflects an earlier prewar service [12 years? .. part fulltime and part in the Reserve.. presumably starting 1901-ish] and reenlistment.. in this case he clearly has a new number and is not using his old prewar number [which happens..]. if 37 an earlier service would fit .. 22nd reserve Battery was in a Reserve Brigade training recruits and holding wounded/sick men before return to field units. You will find the Letters of protection in most files.. i think issued explaining who people were and that they had been discharged [and were not AWOL]. He presumably should have an earlier number from prewar service .. somewhere.

[HarryBrook]

Four pages of service records are on findmypast under British Army Service Records 1760-1915 for a John Royal, born Chelsea, Middlesex. Attested to the Royal Artillery, aged 18 years and 7 months, on January 13 1897. Service number 18050. Discharged January 12 1913 as Bombardier. Address 21, Albert St., Paddington Green, London. He had served in South Africa. His father was Joseph Royal of 59, Princess St., Edgeware Road, London. His wife was Ellen.

Does this fit?

If you have a problem accessing this on fmp please feel free to pm me.

[medicorps]

Thanks to you both,

Yes the John Royal in 1897 is the same person, as 21 Albert St. was address of his brother Thomas in 1901. I didn't realise FMP had service records I will have a look. Not sure who Ellen is.

He and his two brothers had been in the Kensington & Chelsea Workhouse & School from a young age till the 1890's. John took on a 5 year apprenticeship as a painter & decorator in 1892, sounds like after 5 yrs he joined the army. Might explain why I haven't found him in the 1901 census so far.

Thanks to you both another piece in the family jigsaw completed, and another member of the family involved with service during World War One.

[medicorps]

I have difficulty understanding service records, there are some things in John Royal's 1897 service record which I don't quite understand.

Under statement of service it has stamped 'ELECTS ROYAL WARRANT 31-3-98 ARTICLE 5 FOR MESSING ALLoe... 1 Apr '98

On 14 Jan 1900 he is 'Awaiting Trial' and on 16 Jan 1900 is reduced from Bombardier to Gunner again on 11 Aug 1902 he is 'Awaiting Trial' and on 15 Aug 1902 is reduced from Bombardier to Corporal. Would these have been serious matters?

If I've read the document correctly it has...

1st Class Army Res, Sect. "B" Transferred Bombardier 13 Jan '04 ..... 9 years of service not allowed for fixing rate of pension.

Sect. "D" Re-engaged for 4 years Bombardier 13 Jan '09

Discharged Bombardier 12 Jan '13

Would that mean he had a break from the army for a number of years and rejoined in 1909, the document states his total service towards engagement to 12 Jan '13 was 16 years...confused. Also does reserve mean he maintained his job and life outside the army ?

Thank you for your time & patience.

[battiscombe]

in the last case, I think what we have is an intial 12 years service.. possibly only a 6 fulltime and 6 reserve [would need to check what the terms were in 1897 .. it is most often 3+9, 6+6, or indeed 12 (longservice)] but men do extend their reservist status beyond the 12 years... providing some limited service requirement [and pay for it].. and liability to callup in event of war.. I think thats how it works.. 16 years works with a full 12 years enlistment + the 4 years additional reservist status

disciplinary offences may be quite minor .. some forms of inefficiency if an NCO .. a bit of drinking ..