Tunneller's Mentioned in Despatches Query

[Droocoo]

Hi all,

I am researching Lt. Col. Henry Hugh Whitelock Boyes MC 254th Tunnelling Coy RE, late VIIIth Corps Mining

I understand that a Brevet rank was often awarded instead of a medal for gallantry- Boyes was promoted to T/Capt on the 18/9/17 (L/G 17/9/17) and was MID 11/12/17

The 254th Tunnellers were in the Givenchy section at the time, and I as wondering what Boyes would have been involved in to be MID and promoted?

Furthermore, is anyone aware of the movements/actions of the 254th Coy during the war?

I have read Beneath Flanders Field to no avail

Regards,

Andrew Wilson

NB: Boyes was awarded his Military Cross for Gallipoli on Fusilier Bluff

[nigelcave]

I am a little puzzled by VIII Corps mining - tunnellers were Army troops from fairly early in the war. I can only assume that this refers to VIII Corps' service on Gallipoli.

Somewhere or other in the mass of boxes waiting to be unpacked I have a listing of Tun. Coys and where they operated - it is reasonably accurate but should not be taken as gospel. The list should emerge from the (organised) chaos in the next few days, all being well.

If, dangerously, one assumes that he was a subaltern at Gallipoli, then not too surprising that he was a T/Capt by September 1917 (perhaps the surprising thing is that it took so long).

[Droocoo]

Yes, he came from the 1/10th North Staffordshires and transferred into the VIII Corps Mining because he was a mining manager before the war.

He was a subaltern as a Temporary 2/Lt in the VIII Corps Mining when he won his MC.

I would be very interesting in having a look at what information you have!

[Droocoo]

I am a little puzzled by VIII Corps mining - tunnellers were Army troops from fairly early in the war. I can only assume that this refers to VIII Corps' service on Gallipoli.

Somewhere or other in the mass of boxes waiting to be unpacked I have a listing of Tun. Coys and where they operated - it is reasonably accurate but should not be taken as gospel. The list should emerge from the (organised) chaos in the next few days, all being well.

If, dangerously, one assumes that he was a subaltern at Gallipoli, then not too surprising that he was a T/Capt by September 1917 (perhaps the surprising thing is that it took so long).

Would Boyes have gone to Gallipoli with a battalion of the North Staffs and then transferred to the VIII Corps Mining? This has always intrigued me

[wibs]

You asked about movements of the 254th RE tunnellers during WW1………. think this is the war diary Sep 1916 to May 1919 …… available at the National Archives (but only to view on visit, not digital download)

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/record?catid=-2239387&catln=7

[Droocoo]

You asked about movements of the 254th RE tunnellers during WW1………. think this is the war diary Sep 1916 to May 1919 …… available at the National Archives (but only to view on visit, not digital download)

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/record?catid=-2239387&catln=7

Thanks mate but unfortunately I live in Australia!

[wibs]

Thanks mate but unfortunately I live in Australia!

That's what happens when I post without reading the persons profile!…….. apols. There are researchers who'll copy the diaries for you at TNA….. know it might cost a few quid but maybe still an option.

[Droocoo]

That's what happens when I post without reading the persons profile!…….. apols. There are researchers who'll copy the diaries for you at TNA….. know it might cost a few quid but maybe still an option.

That's okay thanks for the advice anyway!

Still looking for info