John Robert Dodson Bourn

[DavidOwen]

Hello everyone

 

Once again on the trail of a friend's grandfather. Up until recently we didn't think he served in ww1 as no evidence could be found to support his service. However, having recently checked the 1919 Absent Voters List we have discovered "BOURN, John Robert Dobson (sic) 250 Hope Street, Army Corps Sig. Coy."  We know this is him as the address is the same as the friend's when growing up the house having been in continuous occupation by the family.

 

The family name is spelled variously on ancestral records as both Bourn and Bourne. We have census records (he was a builder's labourer in 1911) and his marriage to Emily B Bates in 1915. He died in 1950.

 

Now I know the Service Corps / Labour Corps are notoriously difficult to delve into but we think the MIC below may indeed be his. Confirmation of this (or to the contrary) and any other useful information from the Forum Pals will, as always be most gratefully received. We do not have his medals and can see that he did not go overseas until after 1st January 1916.

 

Many thanks for reading

 

Regards

 

David

 

Image courtesy Ancestry free access

 

[Langdon]

By looking at close numbers in the burnt service records a pattern can emerge but nothing definite of course...

 

227812 Herbert Beard attested 10.12.15 at West Hartlepool into Army reserve. Mobilised 11.04.17 into (briefly) Yorks and Lancs and KOYLI before joining the Labour Coorps (297 Co.) on 21.06.17. Joined BEF 29.07.17

 

227834 Ernest Winkless attested 10.12.15 at Leicester. Mobilised 14.04.17 KOYLI (46000) before joining Labour Corps 20.06.17 (523, 524 and 525 HS Employment Co's)

 

227835 Thomas Warren attested 02.03.16. Mobilised 19.04.17 Lichfield to 297th Reserve Emp. Co. Then 06.08.17 BEF France 266th Emp. Co.

 

227836 Henry Watson attested to Army Reserve 28.11.15. Mobilised 14.04.17 - 522 HS Emp. Co. Then 21.06.17 to 297th Labour Co.

 

Hope this helps to point towards the start of his service..

Mike

[DavidOwen]

Thanks Mike, very helpful

Regards

David

[clk]

Hi David,

 

I think that you've got the right chap. The medal roll to go with the card gives his full name...

 

Image source: Ancestry.co.uk - WWI Service Medal and Award Rolls

 

Regards

Chris 

[DavidOwen]

Cheers Chris, that is great news.

David