Benjamin Henry Nicholson service with Norfolk Regiment and Royal Engin

[midshipmanrayley]

My grandfather's stepbrother Benjamin Henry Nicholson of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was born 1884 and died 1969 in Acle, served in the Norfolk Regiment, number 22444.

Found on his medal card further service details though, serving with Royal Engineers number 307302.

Cannot figure out why he would leave his brothers serving in the Norfolk Regiment to transfer to the Royal Engineers.

Did he volunteer to leave the Norfolk's or was he transferred against his will?

Can any members suggest if it's possible to discover which?

[Coldstreamer]

do you know what RE unit ? he may have had a particular skill that was needed

you probably will never know exactly why he left

[Stebie9173]

In 1911 he appears to be a Stationary Engine Driver (at a sausage manufacturers).

His Royal Engineers number 307302 later became WR/23004 which is a Waterways and Railways number, so it would seem likely that his pre-war expertise may have caused his movement between branches of the Army.

Steve.

[midshipmanrayley]

Coldstreamer and Steve. Didn't appreciate his pre-war employment but checked out 1911 census details and found very likely to have been a factor.

Many thanks.