Looking for Great great uncle Henry

[andypugh]

I have been researching the movements of my Great great uncle Henry J Morrell, who was serving in the 24th bn Royal Fusiliers(2nd sportsmen). He was killed in March 1918, during the German offensive in France.

I was under the impression he served only in the 24th Bn, but have since found out he also served in the 1st Bn and the 4th Bn.

Is there any way in which i could find out when he changed from one Battalion to another? I have a picture of him, he has 2 wound stripes, could this be the reason he has changed Battalions on his return to the front line?

Also, is there anyway i could trace the movements of the 24th Bn during the retreat from the "Red Line" between Barastre and Haplincourt on the 24th of March 1918( @ 9.00am). I have a copy of the War Diary relating to the 24th Bn, which has been very helpful.

If there is any body out there that could help me i would be very grateful. This is my first contact with the Forum so please be patient with me.

Thanks in advance Andy

[Paul Reed]

His medal rolls in WO329 in the NA will have his exact dates of overseas service recorded in them; the Royal Fusiliers were one of the units that did this. There are some exceptions (eg. men with the SR prefix), but for most men who served, died with, or were demobbed or discharged from RF these dates are shown. This is not on-line so it means a visit.

[andypugh]

Thanks for that info. Yes his number was SR9571, but it was just 9571 when he was killed.

I have been researching this for a long time but there are a few pieces of the puzzle that i cannot put together.

For instance how would i find out the dates he was wounded in action?Twice! Also the dates that he changed Battalions, maybe the two questions may have same answer?

I now know that his records were part of the Burnt Records, which were destroyed during WW2.

I have spent alot of time studying the 24th Bn, only now to find he was in 2 others!! Now got to start all over again somehow.

Thanks for quick response, any more info that may help my research will be gratefully received.

[Paul Reed]

Have you checked the medal rolls? So far I have found few men with the SR prefix who have their dates listed, but there are some - so worth checking, as this will answer some of your queries if the info is there.

[bernardmcilwaine]

andy,dont know if this is much help.

the 24th and 1st batts along with a third battalion[7th or 11th] were badly mauled and had to be formed into one battalion on the 23/24th march under the command of Lt col r.h dann.DSO.bernard

[andypugh]

Thanks Bernard for the information regarding the 24th bn R/Fs.I was wondering if each time he was wounded and returned for duty he found himself in a different Bn to make up the shortfalls.

When these lads were in retreat would they have used the roads or legged it across the fields?.

Someware on the FORUM they were asking if anybody had war diaries of units in the great war,I have a copy of the 24th bn ROYAL FUSILIERS [2nd SPORTSMEN] in case anyone needs any imfo at any time.

Thanks for all the help. I daresay I will have more questions to ask at a later date.