Gunner Herbert James Bailey RFA

[Crowman]

I am researching my Grandfathers RFA service, family members had suggested he was a regular soldier prior to WW1 and served in India.

I found an Attestation record which states he enlisted in 1913 and was demobilised in 1921 followed by 4 years in the reserve. During this time he had two regimental numbers 71595 and 1008869. He received two medals 1914-1918 India and 1918-1919 Mespotamia ?

I am wondering if he had a break in service, hence the two regimental numbers. I would also like to know which Brigades / Batteries he served with to enable me to consult their War Diaries if possible. I have attached the Attestation record, it may contain more information but I am unfamiliar with abbreviations etc. Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[charlie962]

Hello crowman and welcome to the Forum.

 

What you have found is the RA Attestations ledger that was created postwar when gunners staying on after 1918 were given a new 7 digit unique Army number.

 

He earned the British War Medal and Victory Medals and served in India (which would normally only get him the BWM) and Mesopotamia 1918-19, where he presumably qualified for the Victory Medal.

 

If you look at his original enlistment 1913 it was for 6 years with the Colours and 6 years in the Reserve. He was trf'd to Reserve in 1919 which takes him to 1925. He looks to have extended this Reserve service for 4 more years.

 

It is possible his service record is still held by the MoD Glasgow ?

 

Charlie

[sotonmate]

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

[Crowman]

Hello Charlie, thank you for quick reply and the addition information, which has helped clarify what was on the Attestation record. I guess the 6/6 was years in Colours/ Reserves.

I found information on www.gov.uk to obtain deceased Soldiers records. If I am correct in my interpretation, I will need a death certificate and there is a fee of £30. Not sure if this is the MOD Glasgow you referred to?

[charlie962]

yes indeed. But be prepared for long delays. I don't believe many (if any ?) staff are going into the Glasgow Office at the moment.

[Crowman]

Hi Sotonmate, thank you for your reply. I followed your link, it appears to be where Charlie suggested as well.

Unfortunately I do not have a death certificate, although I guess I could get a copy. Thank you both.

[charlie962]

1 minute ago, Crowman said:

Unfortunately I do not have a death certificate

I think they dispense with this for such birthdates !

[Crowman]

Ah, that's good news Charlie, I will give it a go then. Thanks to the replies I have progressed further in the last hour, than I had in the last few weeks. Many thanks.