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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

4th & 2/4th Bn Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry


themonsstar

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A fascinating collection of photographs and documents. Thank you for posting them. They raise some interesting questions about the expansion of the Territorial Force in 1914.

 

I think Pte Christain probably began his service with 2/4th Bn OBLI which began forming in Oxford on 8th September 1914 and was fully recruited ten days later. 1/4th Bn OBLI had by then concentrated at Chelmsford with other units of the South Midland Division. Pte Christain's leave pass of 23rd October 1914 shows him departing from Oxford which suggests he was on leave from 2/4th Bn OBLI although the leave pass is issued by 4th (Reserve) Bn OBLI.  Possibly that was the title used initially by 2/4th Bn OBLI. There was a 3rd (Reserve) Bn OBLI which found drafts for the 1st and 2nd Bns OBLI and so 4th (Reserve) Bn OBLI might have been seen as an appropriate title for a unit that would find drafts for 1/4th Bn OBLI. 

 

Later on 21st May 1915 Pte Christain was serving with Base Coy 1/4th Bn OBLI. By then 1/4th Bn OBLI was in France having disembarked at Boulogne on 30th March 1915.  I assume that the Base Coy was in England and would provide drafts for the battalion overseas when required. In fact Pte Christain did not go to France until 26th June 1916. By then 2/4th Bn OBLI was also serving in France having disembarked at Le Havre on 24th May 1916. So it looks as though Pte Christain rejoined 2/4th Bn OBLI with a draft that arrived about a month after they arrived in France.

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Excellent. A remarkable collection of ephemera. Thanks for sharing. So much for you to research!

 

The PoW card was for Henry Alfred Christian of the 1/5 Durham Light Infantry. You will find his card in the ICRC, PoW, taken 27/5/18 Pontavert; He is the brother of Albert Sidney Christian (you said the Album's creator) and they are living with their mother Emma in the 1911 Census at 7 St Marks Rd, Henley on Thames;

 

Charlie

Edited by charlie962
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