Pte Thomas Ralph Poyser & Pte Stephen Poyser

[Swisstony25]

Looking for find more information about the military service of Private Thomas Ralph Poyser and his broker Private Stephen Poyser. I understand that they were both killed in action.

 

Thomas Ralph Poyser served in the Essex Regiment and Stephen Poyser served in the Border Regiment. Both come from Wildboardclough, Cheshire.

 

I would be grateful if anyone can provide more information regarding their military service and if anyone knows where I might locate photos, this would be great.

 

Thanks,

 

Tony

 

[Langdon]

I've had a quick look for surviving service or pension records for these two brothers who died within a month of each other but there's nothing on Ancestry. Their Soldiers Died in the Great War records show Thomas died 'on or since' 3rd November 1917 and Stephen was killed in action ('death assumed') on 2nd December 1917 - indicating both bodies were never recovered.

It may be agood idea to start off as recommended with 'how to research a soldier' on the excellent Long, Long Trail website here - http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/how-to-research-a-soldier/

To discover when they enlisted without service records - Thomas was previously in the ASC (formerly Dm2/195171, A.S.C.) before joining the 4th Battalion Essex Regiment (#37056). DM2 is Driver Mechanical Learner in the ASC. His entry in the Soldiers Effects records shows he enlisted in or near to August 1916 (war gratuity of £7).

Stephen's entry shows only that he enlisted within 12 months of his death (war gratuity £3), but by comparing close surviving service records he was probably posted to the Border regiment in early May 1917.

When you've looked at The Long, Long Trail, come back with any queries you may have. As you'll see, access by subscription to Ancestry or FindMyPast will help you greatly but to avoid expense they do offer 14-day free trials. Some local libraries also provide free access to Ancestry..

 

Mike

 

Edited 22 December , 2018 by Langdon

[HTSCF Fareham]

Private 37056 Thomas Ralph Poyser, 1/4 Essex Regiment died on or since 3 Nov 1917. Enlisted Macclesfield

 

Private 34247 Stephen Poyser, 11th Battalion, Border Regiment  died 2 Dec 1917. Enlisted Oswestry

Edited 22 December , 2018 by HTSCF Fareham