Bartlett, Ernest G/28500

[ROD WEALE]

Hi all

I am having problem trying to reconcile the service of Pte Ernest Bartlett G/28500 of the 1st Bn Middx. It seems he died at home after an accident with a circular saw! However he was 48 at the time of his death! Can anyone help with an enlistment date and any service details would also be useful.

Kind regards

Rod

His son Arthur William was killed aged 19 on June 2nd 1918. 41311 Rifle Brigade

[WalkEric]

Hi Rod,

Pte Bartlett's Middlesex number was probably issued in May 1916, although he may have enlisted some time before this.

Many of the men with similar numbers joined the Middlesex Regiment around that time, and many of these men were lower medical category men (C1,B2 etc) transferred into the 1st (Home Service) Garrison Battalion from other regiments - so this may well be the case?

I have had a quick look for an MIC for him without any luck, suggesting he may not have served overseas, which would bring into question him being in the 1st Battalion as they had been in France since August 1914. Maybe the 1st Battalion showing on his CWGC entry should actually be 1st (Home Service) Garrison Battalion

Ian

[ROD WEALE]

Hi Ian. I couldn't find a MIC either and I too had my doubts about him being in France. The theory re the Home Service Btn is an interesting one and that I will follow. Many thanks. Regards Rod

[ROD WEALE]

Had a quick look on the 1914-1918 net came across this

23rd (Service) Battalion (2nd Football)
Formed in London on 29 June 1915 by W. Joynson Hicks MP. Moved to Cranleigh.
November 1915 : moved to Aldershot and came under command of 123rd Brigade in 41st Division.
May 1916 : landed in France.
November 1917 : moved with the Division to Italy but returned to France in March 1918.

He was from Cranleigh. The plot thickens

Cheers