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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Transfers Question


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Hello all,

I recently found out that my great grandfather was part of the 1/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment and the 1/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

I wondered at what point a soldier would be transferred to a regiment. My great grandfather arrived in France in August 1916 and killed in March 1917.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

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Hello Micah

Normally a man was posted to a regiment (or corps) as soon as he enlisted, although the position was less certain after conscription was introduced. Thereafter he could be posted between battalions of the same regiment as the need arose, particularly if he was promoted or was some kind of specialist.

Both 1/6th and 1/7th Royal Warwickshires spent the war in 143 (Warwicks) Infantry Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division, which went to France in early 1915 and remained there until November 1917 when it was sent to Italy, where it remained for the rest of the war.

The relevant war diaries should be available on the National Archives website, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk for downloading at a modest cost.

WO 95/2755 143 Infantry Brigade
WO 95/2755 1/5 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1915 Mar. - 1917 Oct.
WO 95/2755 1/6 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1915 Mar. - 1917 Oct.

WO 95/2756 143 Infantry Brigade
WO 95/2756 1/7 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1915 Mar. - 1917 Oct.
WO 95/2756 1/8 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1915 Mar. - 1917 Oct.

War Diaries rarely mention men by name other than officers but the location of the unit, and a brief description of its activities, is usually available for each day. In particular, it might indicate whether and when there was any transfer of men between 1/6th and 1/7th Battalions.

Ron

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Hey

Cheers for the links I have the 1/6th diary. Just a question of deciding was it in France that Henry was transferred to the 1/6th or before.

Thank you

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If he was transferred after arriving in France, the regimental medal roll should show both battalions. Note that the medal index card is unlikely to indicate the battalion.

Ron

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