Gunner Albert Charles Allcorn, Sussex RGA

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I am trying to research the war record and on which fronts he served, of my grandfather, Albert Charles Allcorn, who was lucky to survive the war, but died in 1971. My information so far is that he was a member of AII (A2 or A11 ??) Gun Team 1/2 Company Sussex RGA, as shown on an offical photograph I have, depicting and naming him and his eleven mates. It appears to been taken by Whorwell in Dover, presumably on embarkation to the front. I know also, that he was gassed and had a scrapnel scar across his face, taking part of his left ear with it. So perhaps he was treated in a field hospital. My mother, also deceased, made mention of both Passendale and the Somme, but I'm not sure if it was possible to serve on both fronts. Any help would be appreciated.

[jay dubaya]

Welcome to the forum Peter,

 

the Sussex RGA (TF) remained in the UK throughout the hostilities and were tasked with the South Eastern Coast Defences. No.1 Coy based at Brighton and No.2 Coy based at Lewes. Whilst Albert was originally enlisted with the Sussex RGA he served overseas with another RGA battery, I cannot see any obvious service record for him but his service number 374355 is the only number that appears on the medal index card, the number being consistent with the numbering block issued to the Sussex RGA in early 1917 which suggests Albert arrived overseas around this time or later. Local papers or an Absent Voters List for 1918 should one survive for his home town may record the battery he served overseas with. Did Albert marry during 1918? If he was still a serving soldier then his unit may also be listed on his wedding certificate

 

J

[Mark1959]

I think he married 1921, registered in Reigate. To Jessie A Buckland. Think born 22/10/1897. British War and Victory Medal only so only served overseas after start of 1916. No Hospital record on forces war records

There is a very poor pic of him in uniform attached to a few family trees on Ancestry. 

Edit - Electoral registers showing him home in Reigate from Spring 1920.latest.

Edited 28 December , 2017 by Mark1959

[kevinrowlinson]

In the absence of a unit being found then I would research 122nd Siege Battery to see whether you can tie him to that unit. Just after the time of his enlistment, around October 1915, 122 SB was being formed (March/April 1916) with a nucleus of 3 Officers and 78 other ranks from the Sussex RGA TF so there is a chance he was included in that batch. The battery was formed at Dover. You could post the photo you have and give the names, as it may be of interest to any future members who served with your grandfather and who is named on it.

 

Kevin 

Edited 28 December , 2017 by kevinrowlinson
to include battery formation date

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