PriadofDamocles Posted 16 November , 2020 Share Posted 16 November , 2020 Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone could explain what may have occurred with my great-grandfather's war service? From his Medal Card Index it would appear he initially joined as a Royal Engineer before transferring to 17th Lancashire Fusiliers which I understand was a Bantam Battalion in 35th Division before losing it's Bantam title in 1917. I know it was not unusual for transfers to take place, particularly as the war progressed, but I wondered if there might be any further information as to when this may have happened? I haven't looked at the War Diary yet but thought that it was unlikely to be referenced in this document. I did see that on the Service Medal and Award Roll other soldiers transferred from RE to 17th LF so I suspect a number of sappers may have transferred at the same time. I also note that the division underwent a significant restructure in later 1916/early 1917 so wondered if this coincided with that? For reference his name was William TF Bannocks and his service numbers were 270412 (as RE) and 46464 (as LF). Many thanks in advance, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 16 November , 2020 Admin Share Posted 16 November , 2020 As you say, there seems to be quite a batch of them transferring. They transferred to the 17/LF on 23/09/1917 and were allotted numbers in a range of LF numbers similar to Bannock's number. So you can search for service records of men with similar LF numbers. So far the records seem simply to state that they were transferred for the "benefit of the service" - a standard catch-all phrase. They did keep their RE rates of pay, so that was nice !! Regards Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 16 November , 2020 Admin Share Posted 16 November , 2020 It looks like they joined the Battalion in the field on the 29th September 1917. No special remarks in the War Diary - just says that a draft of 154 other ranks arrived: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PriadofDamocles Posted 16 November , 2020 Author Share Posted 16 November , 2020 RussT that is incredibly helpful, thank you. I did wonder about his rate of pay! As you say, somthing of a consolation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 16 November , 2020 Admin Share Posted 16 November , 2020 Found a record that refers to this transfer authority (from 46500 Arthur Furmage). It also looks like that these ex RE men were allotted the LF numbers in the range 46439 to 46512 inclusive (74 men). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PriadofDamocles Posted 17 November , 2020 Author Share Posted 17 November , 2020 That's brilliant, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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