Private Frank Woodford, Hampshire Regiment, Labour Corps and Royal Fusiliers

[Anthony Ewen]

Frank Woodford joined the Hampshire Regiment (1st/8th Battalion - Isle of Wight Rifles) (330672) at the same time as his brother Charles Albert Woodford (330678) in November 1914.  Unlike his brother he did not go with the Rifles to Gallipoli and at some point was transferred to the Labour Corps (574793) and later to the Royal Fusiliers (GS/126140).

Can anyone suggest an explanation for these moves and where he might have served?

Anthony Ewen

[Mark1959]

If one looks at the Medal Roll from R Fus. all the men on the page (in number order) were transferred into 43 Garrison Battalion from 958 A E Company Labour Corps. The LLT tell us here http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-fusiliers-city-of-london-regiment/ that the 43rd was formed Sept 1918 and made up of men medically unfit for front line duty. Labour Corps unit’s were also often made up of men no longer fit for front line service. So supposition would be that at some point he was not considered fit enough to remain in the 15th Hants.

AE = Area Employment. This and the LLT entry indicates he was probably employed on guard duties, 

Edited 24 March , 2019 by Mark1959

[Anthony Ewen]

Many thanks Mark for the very helpful and speedy response.

Much appreciated

Tony