Research kick-start required

[34thdiv]

Hello all,

I'm trying to research my grandfather's war service but have become stuck and would appreciate some information and/or guidance. His name is 84992 George Daniel Mills DCM MM, was with the 34th div on the Somme on 1st July 1916, with the Royal Engineers as a signaller, I assume he joined the 207th, or 208th, or 209th (Norfolk) Field Company in Feb 1915 in Norwich. Perhaps he was with the 34th Div Signals Company and joined on 23rd July 1915.

I know he was taken prisioner near Bunhill Row, I think around 21st March 1918, during the Germans big push and survived the war in Cottbus. The circumstances surrounding his capture are detailed in the book, "The Thirty Fourth Division 1915-1919" by Lt. Col. J. Shakespear, on pages 179-181, although he is referred to as Serjeant G E Mills.

I do have a scrap of a photo where he is a lance-corporal, but there is no mention of where and when.

Were signallers trained a a specific base and could someone please help with the research?

I have downloaded his MM medal card but have had no luck with the DCM, although I've been told it may not have been gazetted as it was awarded after the war?

Thanks, Rob.

[SteveE]

The award of his DCM was listed in the London Gazette #31759, dated 30th January 1920

Link to the Gazette is Here

Can't find a citation for the award though.

Hope this helps

Steve

[SteveE]

The award of his MM was listed in the London Gazette #30498, dated 28th January 1918.

Link to the Gazette is Here

Steve

[welshdoc]

DCM http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...&selHonourType=

Gareth

[34thdiv]

Thank you, Steve for the prompt reply, I'm very grateful. Rob

[34thdiv]

DCm http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...&selHonourType=

Gareth

Thank you, Gareth, all my answers gave me links too, I'm very pleased, thank you, Rob.

[Stebie9173]

Rob,

Does he have a 1915 Star on his MIC. If so, what date does it show?

34th Divisional Signal Company did not go overseas until January 1916. If he has a 1915 Star he may have gone overseas with a different Division.

I would say that the 84992 number was probably issued closer to February 1915 than July. What is the significance of the 23-7-1915 date, and why do you state February 1915 as a possibility?

The Field Companies were general engineers rather than specialist signallers. I would imagine he would be more likely (but by no means certain) to have served with a different signal company before the 34th, if he did not go overseas with the 34th Division.

Sorry to be brief, but I am a bit busy at the moment,

Steve.

[34thdiv]

Steve,

No, he did not have the 1915 Star, I have his two war medals, but the DCM and MM are unfortunately in Norwich Castle Museum, given by my late aunt Doris (grandfather's daughter).

I assumed he joined the 34Div in Feb 1915 as that's what it says on the Long Long Trail's information regarding that division, in reference to the 207th, 208th, 209th (Norfolk) Field Company, it also states that the 34Div Field Signals Company joined on 23-7-1915, hence the significance of that date.

Thank you for interest and assistance,

Regards,

Rob.

[rob carman]

Rob,

These are links to the memorial to the 34th Divisions engineers in Norwich Cathedral:

http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Norw...thNfkDivRE.html

and at Langemark:

http://www.webmatters.net/monuments/ww1_34th_langemark.htm

http://www.ypressalient.co.uk/CWGC%20Pages/Memorials.htm

The next link is to a web page about Sapper C.J. Dring 84529 of the 207th Fld Coy.

http://members.aol.com/reubique/84529.htm

I have several team photos of men from the 207th. None is annotated.

Regards,

Rob Carman.

[34thdiv]

Dear Rob,

Thank you very much for the links, I have been lucky enough to visit the 34th Div memorial you kindly linked me to. I am going to Norwich cathederal this weekend to look there also, the one closest to me I've not seen!!

The most exciting link for me was to Sapper Dring, I have not seen that before, perhaps he and my grandfather knew each other??

I would be very interested to see the team photos you have, is there any possibility you could email them to me please?

I notice you live quite a way from Norwich, do you have an interest in the 207th Field company or is it a coincidence you have this information?

A thousand thanks,

Regards,

Rob.

[suec]

It's a while ago you were researching your grandfather but I just read your posts with interest. I am researching Sydney Denzil Oliver who was a Corporal with the 34th Div Signals Coy Royal Engineers. We have pix of him on his Triumph Model H. You mention Shakpear's history of the Thirty Fourth. 1915-1919. Is that easily available? Sadly Sydney died on Nov 18th 1918, so I'm assuming he was injured and died in hospital. The other thing which you may be able to clarify - Sydney came from Salisbury and his daughter was born in Portsmouth on April 1916 and twin sons in Oct 1917 in Hampshire, where he was photographed with them whereas your grandfather was from Norfolk. I've found Sydney's medal card but it doesn't tell me much. Any hints, very welcome, though you may have moved on by now! Sue.

Hello all,

I'm trying to research my grandfather's war service but have become stuck and would appreciate some information and/or guidance. His name is 84992 George Daniel Mills DCM MM, was with the 34th div on the Somme on 1st July 1916, with the Royal Engineers as a signaller, I assume he joined the 207th, or 208th, or 209th (Norfolk) Field Company in Feb 1915 in Norwich. Perhaps he was with the 34th Div Signals Company and joined on 23rd July 1915.

I know he was taken prisioner near Bunhill Row, I think around 21st March 1918, during the Germans big push and survived the war in Cottbus. The circumstances surrounding his capture are detailed in the book, "The Thirty Fourth Division 1915-1919" by Lt. Col. J. Shakespear, on pages 179-181, although he is referred to as Serjeant G E Mills.

I do have a scrap of a photo where he is a lance-corporal, but there is no mention of where and when.

Were signallers trained a a specific base and could someone please help with the research?

I have downloaded his MM medal card but have had no luck with the DCM, although I've been told it may not have been gazetted as it was awarded after the war?

Thanks, Rob.

[34thdiv]

Sue, hello,

I can't help you much but I'm still trying to piece together my grandfather's war service. I suggest you use the "My Assistant" at the top of the page, and type 34th Division where you'll find other members who may be of help, but you'll certainly find more pictures of the signallers.

I obtained my copy of "The Thirty Fourth Division" from the Naval and Military Press, so it may be worth a look on their website.

Good luck with the research, do as I did and ask questions on this forum, you'll get lots of assistance from this friendly and well-informed group, don't be frightened to ask "silly" questions as with these experts there is no such thing, they're only too pleased to help.

Regards,

Rob.