Pte James Davidson 9495 1 RSF: Tailor or Reservist or Both?

[rolt968]

Pte James Davidson, 1 Royal Scots Fusiliers died of wounds in Courtrai Military Hospital on 24 November 1914. His serial number suggests that he enlisted in the late summer or autumn of 1907. He arrived in France on 22 August 1914, eight days after the main body of 1 RSF. (I have found a militia record but no service record.)

I had wondered if he arrived a little late because he was a recalled reservist.

However I wonder if another reason is more likely. He was a tailor to trade and the 1911 census lists him in 1 RSF in South Africa. It gives him as Private James Davidson, but while the trades of others are "soldier", "musician", etc. his is given as "tailor".

I wonder if he was still serving in August 1914, but as he was a regimental tailor, he was needed at the depot as reservists poured in and was not released to go to France until a week later.

Without a service record it's speculation.

What does anyone else think?

RM

[ss002d6252]

Pte James Davidson, 1 Royal Scots Fusiliers died of wounds in Courtrai Military Hospital on 24 November 1914. His serial number suggests that he enlisted in the late summer or autumn of 1907. He arrived in France on 22 August 1914, eight days after the main body of 1 RSF. (I have found a militia record but no service record.)

If he enlisted late 1907 on a 7&5 he would still have been a regular in 1914.

Craig

[rolt968]

Thanks Craig.

I can never remember when the shorter colour service terms were allowed in the 1900s.

R.

[ss002d6252]

Thanks Craig.

I can never remember when the shorter colour service terms were allowed in the 1900s.

R.

7 & 5 became the default enlistment from Sep 1906.

Craig

[rolt968]

Thanks again, Craig.

Since he was a tailor, I wonder if he would have extended his term anyway. Was being a regimental tailor considered to be a comfortable appointment?

RM.

[ss002d6252]

Thanks again, Craig.

Since he was a tailor, I wonder if he would have extended his term anyway. Was being a regimental tailor considered to be a comfortable appointment?

RM.

I would have thought that tailors would normally be behind the front as a support to the battalion or back at the depot but it may simply be that he was sent out as a draft and then caught up in the chaos that ensued - soldier first, tailor second. Be interesting to find out though.

Craig

[GWF1967]

Hi,

My partners GG Uncle Sidney Sheldon 156613 RFA was a reservist and a Saddler from Walsall. Posted 15:9:1917 and awarded Class 1 Prof Pay based on skilled employment as a shoemaker. They utilised his skills post war. Another Forum member Ken sent a link to an article about the 30,000 pairs of boots repaired weekly. I should imagine a skilled tailor would be similarly in demand.

Guy