1st Btn York & Lanc Salonika War Diaries

[Paulie1969]

Hi, hope someone can help.

I am looking for information regarding my Great Grandfather who served in the 1st Btn Y&L in Salonika from 1915-1918. He was MID in 1918, & i am trying to find out what this was for. I was told the battalion war diaries may hold some info. Looking on the Nation Archives website, these diaries are not available online. When i requested a copy, i was quoted nearly £300!!. Is there anyone who has a copy of the diary that can check for any info, or are there any other resources online i could check?

 

Any help/advice greatly appreciated.

 

 

[DavidOwen]

Hi and welcome to the Forum

Ancestry has a link to such diaries - not sure if the one you want will be there (an expert will be along shortly to help more) you should be able to access them either if you already have a subscription or by setting up a free trial https://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60380

Don't ever pay National Archive copy costs - use an independent researcher such as Lee at https://www.arcre.com/ - I have had Officer's service files from him and at a very reasonable rate!

Good luck with your research and don't be afraid to ask questions

Regards

David

[Paulie1969]

3 minutes ago, DavidOwen said:

Hi and welcome to the Forum

Ancestry has a link to such diaries - not sure if the one you want will be there (an expert will be along shortly to help more) you should be able to access them either if you already have a subscription or by setting up a free trial https://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60380

Don't ever pay National Archive copy costs - use an independent researcher such as Lee at https://www.arcre.com/ - I have had Officer's service files from him and at a very reasonable rate!

Good luck with your research and don't be afraid to ask questions

Regards

David

Many thanks David. I did not think to check the Ancestry site, i'll have a look.

[Gardenerbill]

Do you know when in 1918 he was MID?

[Old Scalyback]

If you live within striking distance of Kew you can read the original documents for free on site, you will need to obtain a readers ticket and I suggest you study the guides on the archives website as to how to proceed.

regards Brian

[Paulie1969]

1 hour ago, Gardenerbill said:

Do you know when in 1918 he was MID?

He was mentioned in despatches of 1st Nov 1918

[Gardenerbill]

1st York and Lancs were in 83rd Brigade 28th Division. In September 1918 they were in the Butkovo valley due east of Lake Doiran but not directly involved in the autumn offensive. When the break through came towards the end of September and the Bulgarians were in full retreat, the 83rd Brigade were involved in what is known as the pursuit, passing over the Belasica mountains into the Strumica valley on the 27th September. The Bulgarians sent a delegation to agree terms on the 28th and the armistice was signed on the 29th, so it is quite likely that your Great Grandfathers MID cam from his action during the last few days of the Salonika campaign. The war diary is still your best bet for finding out the details of the action.   

Edited 11 August , 2018 by Gardenerbill