alansteel Posted 28 February Share Posted 28 February I'm researching my grandfather Jack or John Watson, who according to my mothers birth certificate was "employed" as an "ex shoeing smith Royal Field Artillery '' and "ex Private Labour Corps". In trying to look further into this I came across a discussion about a "shoeing smith" on the Great War Forum saying "136 Battery RFA, and its sister company 137 Battery RFA originated from Newcastle and were part of the First reserve Brigade (Newcastle upon Tyne)" I also understand that the Labour Corps included Depot Labour Companies back in the United Kingdom. One of the Depot Labor Corps was assigned to the Durham Light Infantry. The 9th Battalion was based at Burt Terrace which was not far from where he lived in Gateshead, so its possible he could have been attached to either of these units. I do have the 3 photos below, which include Jack (center, with the ball in the football team), but cannot distinguish the cap badges. I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to possible locations for other information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 28 February Admin Share Posted 28 February Welcome to the forum. The photos are sadly poor quality, but I would say the middle photo, the shape of the cap badge suggests Army Service Corps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Linham Posted 28 February Share Posted 28 February Alan Welcome to the forum , I am guessing that you do not have access to your grandfathers medals which would include his service number. Please can you post as many details as you know age date of birth and possible address. Is their anything in the local papers when he died. Best wishes with your research Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alansteel Posted 28 February Author Share Posted 28 February Thank yo both for your quick responses - Michelle I'll look into the Army Service Core as another possibility..... As to more data on my grandfather we unfortunately have very little - based on census information we have his birth in 1892 but no birth certificate, and he left the family in 1923 and was never heard from again! I'm hoping if we can trace his service record that might help with his birthdate and next of kin but obviously this is a pretty long shot...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Linham Posted 28 February Share Posted 28 February Alan Do you have enough information for a 1921 Census search , that might assist. Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alansteel Posted 29 February Author Share Posted 29 February Thanks for the suggestion of the 1921 Census....using find my past to look at the census led me to a military record of his service from 1914 to 1918 which included his regimental number (228 & 383), a reference to the 48th Brigade Ammo Column RFA, his own regimental number (21369)and a disablement pension case number G.N.6.K.2123. Thanks again - now to look a little deeper...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matlock1418 Posted 29 February Share Posted 29 February (edited) 13 hours ago, alansteel said: 228 & 383 MIC for 21369, RFA shows also shows that 228383, Labour Corps number 13 hours ago, alansteel said: disablement pension case number G.N.6.K.2123. As 228383, Labour Corps Discharged 17.8.18 - Under the 1918 Royal Warrant 8/3 pw from 21-8-18 to 6-1-20 [?] - The 30% degree of disability rate for a pension Class V / Pte - rather looks like it was only a temporary situation as only a single card M Edited 1 March by Matlock1418 discharge & degree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alansteel Posted 29 February Author Share Posted 29 February These are copies of Form B103 covering his service. HPSCAN_20240229211545485_2024-02-29_211703317 (dragged).pdf HPSCAN_20240229211545485_2024-02-29_211703317 (dragged).pdf HPSCAN_20240229211545485_2024-02-29_211703317 (dragged).pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Linham Posted 29 February Share Posted 29 February Alan Well done , both the 14th and 48th Brigade Royal Artillery War Dairies are available through the National Archives. If you register you can download them for free. Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alansteel Posted 29 February Author Share Posted 29 February Thanks - you've been very helpful as I am new at this! But also fascinated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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